King Charlemagne

Charlemagne, born into the influential Carolingian dynasty, ascended to the throne as King of the Franks and Emperor of the Romans. His parents, Pepin and Bertrada, played significant roles in the Frankish kingdom and the Holy Roman Empire. The exact year and circumstances of Charlemagne's birth are subjects of debate, adding mystery to his early life. Charlemagne's birthplace remains a mystery, with various locations suggested, including Liège, Herstal, Aachen, Düren, Gauting, Quierzy, Mürlenbach, and Prüm. As the eldest of three children who reached adulthood, Charlemagne shared a special bond with his mother, which influenced his upbringing and education. The division of the Frankish Kingdom among Clovis’s sons resulted in fierce competition and bloodshed. The distribution of the king's inheritance among his sons led to frequent conflicts and power struggles, jeopardizing the unity of the Frankish realm. Real political authority was held by the Mayor of the Palace, who had significant influence over the distribution of privileges and favors. Tensions between the Merovingian Kings and the Mayors of the Palace paved the way for Charlemagne's ancestors to rise to power. Pepin of Herstal's triumph in the Battle of Tertry in 687 solidified Austrasia as the dominant force in the Frankish Kingdom. The Carolingian family, starting with Pepin's descendants, became the driving force behind the throne in Francia, utilizing royal resources to establish control over the realm. Pepin's ascent to power was further bolstered by support from the Pope.

Peppin obtained papal endorsement to remove the aging Merovingian dynasty and ascend as the King of the Franks. The backing from the Papacy for Peppin and his descendants bolstered their legitimacy and authority. Pepin's rule and the subsequent division of the Frankish Kingdom were significant. He defended Rome and allocated land to the Papacy, thereby establishing the Papal States. The competition between Charlemagne and Carloman resulted in various conflicts and alliances that influenced the trajectory of the Frankish Kingdom. Charlemagne annexed Lombardy and claimed its crown under the pretext of Papal protection. He began to use the title Rex Langobardorum (King of the Lombards) in addition to Rex Francorum in documents unrelated to Italy. The annexation of Lombardy and the acquisition of the crown were somewhat unprecedented, and the reasons behind this action remain unclear. Charlemagne's military campaigns against the Saxons ultimately led to their submission. His attempts to reassert control over the region were characterized by a cycle of Saxon defeat, submission, and subsequent rebellion. The annexation of lands between the Rhine and Elbe rivers was marked by widespread killings, deportations, and violations of treaties. Charlemagne's conquests facilitated diplomatic relations and the spread of Christianity. He deposed Duke Tassilo III of Bavaria for his failure to attend assemblies and for his alleged collusion with the Saxons, Avars, and Slavs.

Charlemagne successfully established peaceful relations with potential adversaries such as the Avars and Slavs, as well as fostering a positive relationship with the Papacy. Through a blend of military strength, diplomatic acumen, and internal stability, he also cultivated friendly ties with the ʿAbbāsid caliph in Baghdad and the Anglo-Saxon rulers of Mercia and Northumbria. By maintaining stability through effective governance, reliance on trusted family members and advisors, and rewarding supporters with land, Charlemagne ensured a cohesive realm. His religious interventions, driven by a desire to spread Christianity, included actions such as removing the Lombards, launching campaigns in Muslim Spain, and converting the Saxons. By combining traditional practices with new religious reforms, Charlemagne not only strengthened his authority in spiritual matters but also revitalized the cultural landscape through his royal policies.

Charlemagne oversaw a cultural rebirth known as the Carolingian Renaissance, driven by intellectuals in his court and influential religious figures such as Alcuin. His royal cultural strategy aimed to enhance Latin literacy, the educational system, and the production of books, while promoting Latin studies and religious scholarship. Charlemagne's legacy also includes the division of the empire. He crowned his son, Louis the Pious, as emperor, emphasizing the importance of the position and his desire to keep the Papacy out of the coronation process. The splitting of Charlemagne's kingdom among his sons and the ensuing civil conflict resulted in the Treaty of Verdun and the division of the empire into three parts. Charlemagne laid the groundwork for a politically united Europe and sparked a revival of culture. By uniting territories not previously under Roman or Frankish control, he established the basis for a cohesive Europe. His religious reforms strengthened the Church's structure and standardized religious practices, ultimately leading to his canonization by Anti-pope Paschal III.