Difference between revisions of "Charlemagne"
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| − | Charlemagne (Charles the Great) was the second leader of the [[Carolingian Dynasty]] and ruled the [[Franks]] from AD | + | Charlemagne (Charles the Great) was the second leader of the [[Carolingian Dynasty]] and ruled the [[Franks]] from AD 768 to 814. 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. |
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
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 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. | ||
Revision as of 15:51, May 16, 2007
Charlemagne (Charles the Great) was the second leader of the Carolingian Dynasty and ruled the Franks from AD 768 to 814. 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.
Early life
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.
Song of Roland Depiction
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:
- Carlon the king, our emperor Charlemayn,
- Full seven years long has lived abroad in Spain,
- He's won the highlands as far as the Main,
- City nor wall is left for him to break,
- Save Sargossa in its high mountain place.
- Marsilion holds it, the King who hates God's name.
- Mahoud he serves, and to Appolyon prays.
- He'll not escape the ruin that awaits.[1]
Careful readers notice markers of typical medeival Christian anti-Muslim polemic - characterization of Muslims as worshiping Mohammed rather than God, and praying to Apollo. The poem dramatizes Charlemagne's attempt at reconquering Spain from the Moors, a process begun by his grandfather Charles Martel, but attributed in the poem to Charlemagne.
