Charlemagne: Father of Europe

To get the full picture of Charlemagne as both man and king, Professor Daileader takes you back to the formative years of Charlemagne's life before he ascended to the imperial throne. As you look back on this period, you will also discover the way historians are constantly discovering and reevaluating information to create a clearer picture of this time in European history.

Charlemagne's ascension to emperor at the age of 52 ushered in a new era in Europe. You will see how Charlemagne's rule altered the European landscape and how this transformation shaped his reputation for generations to come. You will also see how hindsight can shape history in interesting-and not always terribly accurate-ways.

Although he was "Father of Europe," Charlemagne was also the father of at least 19 children. Charlemagne's family life powerfully affected all aspects of his life, and it influenced how future generations regarded him, both as a leader and as a person. As you will see, the king's relations with his wives and children had important and long-lasting political repercussions.

As king and then as emperor, Charlemagne united disparate kingdoms in Europe through warfare, and many of his early victories helped to shape his image well into the future. Why was Charlemagne so often at war? What kinds of tactics and strategies did he use to win? And how did medieval social structures affect his choices?

Success in dynastic politics and war brought Charlemagne power. But what did Charlemagne do with this power? How did Charlemagne govern the territories under his control? First, consider the place of Charlemagne's government in the broader sweep of European history. Then, see how Charlemagne governed in the pursuit of lofty goals, focused especially on secular justice and spiritual salvation.

Turn to Charlemagne's relations with the rulers and peoples beyond his empire, stretching from Britain to Baghdad. Charlemagne's reputation for greatness has often rested on his diplomacy as much as anything else. So, how did Charlemagne's kingdom fit into the larger world? And how did his diplomatic relationships shape both his reputation and the political landscape of Europe and beyond?

Significant contributors to the notion of Charlemagne as "Father of Europe" are the scholarly and educational activities that he promoted. Charlemagne's reign falls into the period many consider part of the "dark ages" in Europe-but were they truly as intellectually dark as some suggest? Here, examine Charlemagne's contributions to what is called the Carolingian Renaissance.

Turn now to Charlemagne's religious faith, which was fervent in many respects, but relaxed in others. Explore Charlemagne's relationships with religious authorities-especially the papacy-which had a particularly strong impact on his later reputation. Also, look closely at the religious reforms that Charlemagne sought to institute throughout his reign.

Charlemagne mattered to later generations for many reasons: his complex and colorful family life; his military success; his aspirations in matters of government, education, and the Christian faith; and his international standing. However, to fully understand his significance, you will examine Charlemagne as others remembered him-or imagined him to have been.