The Weird and The Wacky Meet

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Notes on Charlemagne

                 Charles the Great was born in 742 C.E. to Pepin the short, the king of the Franks.  In 771, Charlemagne took over the throne, three years after his father’s death.  He was somewhat of a contradiction, being a king who was much beloved for improving education, coinage, and government.  At the same time, he set out to conquer several neighboring countries, resulting in wars that caused much hardship.

                 His personality was gregarious and forgiving.  He had several children, one of which, Pippin the hunchback, joined a revolt against his father.  Instead of gouging Pippin’s eyes out, as was the custom at the time, he sent his eldest son to a monastery to live out the rest of his days.  Charlemagne’s daughters were never married off, and kept close to court.  It was either to keep from forging alliances or because he could not bear to part with them.  It is a historical reality that two of his daughters still had long-term sexual relationships outside of marriage and produced offspring.  When Charlemagne died in 814, his kingdom was taken over by his only surviving son, Louis the Pious.

                 Charlemagne was declared the first Holy Roman Emperor in 800, the first Emperor in almost 400 years.  Charlemagne left a lasting impression on the people he ruled, and spawned many tall tales that only increased his legend.  Stories of how he forgave Pippin, and loved his daughters’ company are exaggerated.  People wanted to believe only the best about him, so it is difficult to find accurate historical information.

Copyright 2004

by Amanda Evans

Date: 06/29/04