Charlemagne essays

Charlemagne essays During the Medieval period (600 A.D. to 830 AD) in Europe only a few leaders showed great glory and compassion. Mythical characters usually made up these leaders. Yet Charlemagne wasnt a figment of our imagination. He is one of the worlds finest leaders. Charlemagne established the traditions of European royalty and nobility. His prominence in medieval Europe was a big force of bringing together the people of Europe. His many contributions help shape European civilization. For his valiant conquests the French, Germans, and Italians not so much thought of themselves as French, German, or Italian but rather as Europeans. They shared a common culture, common religious liturgy, and a common language of Latin. The name Charlemagne was not use till after his death. His tombstone reads, Here lies Charles the Great, no historians would contradict this claim of greatness (Harold Lamb page 152). Historians use Charlemagne cautiously due to the fact, that it might imply the legendary figure rather than the historical one. Other names that he is known form is Charles the Great, the king of the Franks, and the founder of the Holy Roman Empire. The family line of royalty could have end before the reign of Charlemagne. After the death of Pepin II the line would have faded into history. If it wasnt for his bastard son Charles Martel. Charles Martel was the first to bear the name Charles was Charlemagnes grandfather. Though he never hold the title of king he controlled all three Frankish realms-Neustria, Austrasia, and Burgundy. With the death of Charles Martel the kingdom was divided between his sons, Carloman and Pepin III (Pepin the Short). Pepin III is the father of Charlemagne. Now the entire kingdom was in shambles and chaos. It took years before the kingdom was under control. When Pepin III took the throne he sent Fulrad, an appointed Bishop, to Rome to persuade Po...