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Charlemagne was the third leader of the [[Carolingian Dynasty]] and ruled the [[Franks]] from AD 751 to 987.  He was a Christian and did much to expand both his kingdom and Christianity. He promoted education, starting palace schools, and attempted to reestablish the Roman Empire, though without success. His name translates to, "Charles the Great."

Charlemagne (Charles the Great) was the second leader of the [[Carolingian Dynasty]] and ruled the [[Franks]] from AD 751 to 987.  He was a Christian and did much to expand both his kingdom and Christianity. He promoted education, starting palace schools, and attempted to reestablish the Roman Empire.

 

He was the grandson of [[Charles Martel]] the powerful Mayor of the Palace. When King [[Childeric III]] was deposed at Soissons and replaced with his father he became the Heir Apparent to the Frankish throne.  

He is depicted in the epic poem "[[Song of Roland]]" as being significantly above human height, and 200 years old.  The exaggerations are obvious markers of the [[oral tradition]] common to the era.  The poem begins with a description of the Emperor:

He is depicted in the epic poem "[[Song of Roland]]" as being significantly above human height, and 200 years old.  The exaggerations are obvious markers of the [[oral tradition]] common to the era.  The poem begins with a description of the Emperor: