Interesting Facts About Charlemagne

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Interesting Facts About Charlemagne

Born in the 8th century, Charlemagne ruled much of Western Europe before he ever reached the age of 30. His rule would last for over 40 years. He is noted in history for two things: he wanted to unite all of the various Germanic tribes into one people and he wanted to convert people to Christianity.

1. Engaged in War

Although Charlemagne was ruler for over 40 years and had the backing of the Pope, his kingdom was rarely a peaceful once. Much of his time was engaged in war so that he could accomplish all of his personal goals. At the turn of the 9th century, Pope Leo III even made Charlemagne the emperor over the Roman people.

2. The Father of Europe

Charlemagne did accomplish the goals of uniting his people and spreading his version of religion. He wanted to unify all of Europe under his own vision, however, and that inspired leaders like Bonaparte and Hitler to do the same thing. Obviously not intended since these men lived 1,000 years after Charlemagne, it does prove that one’s actions may have unintended consequences in future history.

3. A Strict Father

Charlemagne had numerous wives, mistresses, and lovers. Some estimate that he had 18 children. What is known is that Charlemagne was devoted and strict as a father. So strict, in fact, that no one was allowed to marry any of his daughters while he was alive.

4. Say What?

As ruler over much of Europe, Charlemagne pushed of an emphasis of cultural enhancement and reform. Numerous changes were made, including the creation of a standard alphabet that would become the basis of many European languages later on. He kept a school at his palace in Aachen and encouraged athletics as a subject to be studied. That way there would be less confusion in communication throughout all of Europe.

Charlemagne would hardly be considered the definition of a modern Christian. Yet even with all of his faults, he did move the world forward toward a unification that has paid off with numerous advancements since his time. His empire dissolved itself by the 10th century thanks to it being divided amongst his heirs and he was even made a saint by the church. That’s a lasting legacy.