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Charlemagne
Historical Figures
Charlemagne
The King who united Western Europe through conquest and established the Carolingian Renaissance.
Born
742
Died
814
Nationality
Frankish
Profession
King of the Franks
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 11 key moments that shaped Charlemagne's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
742
742-04-02
Birth
Born in Liège, Austrasia
•Age 0•Liège, Austrasia
Charlemagne was born to Pepin the Short and Bertrada of Laon in Liège, Austrasia. His birth marked the beginning of a lineage that would profoundly shape European history.
751
Milestone
Pepin the Short becomes King of the Franks
•Age 9•Soissons, Francia
Charlemagne's father, Pepin the Short, deposes the Merovingian king and is crowned King of the Franks. This event significantly influences Charlemagne's future role and ambitions.
768
Career
Joint rule with brother Carloman I
•Age 26•Francia
Upon Pepin's death, Charlemagne and his brother Carloman I inherit the Frankish kingdom and rule jointly. Their co-rule is marked by tension and territorial disputes.
771
Career
Becomes sole King of the Franks
•Age 29•Francia
Carloman I dies, and Charlemagne becomes the sole ruler of the Frankish kingdom. This consolidates his power and sets the stage for his expansionist policies.
774
Achievement
Conquers the Lombard Kingdom
•Age 32•Pavia, Italy
Charlemagne defeats the Lombards and annexes their kingdom, expanding his territory into Italy. This victory enhances his reputation as a formidable military leader.
778
Milestone
Battle of Roncevaux Pass
•Age 36•Roncevaux Pass, Pyrenees
Charlemagne's rear guard is ambushed by Basques during a retreat from Spain. This event is immortalized in the epic poem 'The Song of Roland.'
787
Achievement
Adopted the title 'Emperor of the Romans'
•Age 45•Rome, Italy
Charlemagne is recognized as 'Emperor of the Romans' by the Pope, solidifying his authority and the integration of the Frankish kingdom with the Roman legacy.
794
Achievement
Reforms the Frankish Church
•Age 52•Aachen, Francia
Charlemagne initiates significant reforms in the Frankish Church, promoting education, standardizing liturgy, and strengthening the relationship between the Church and state.
800
Achievement
Crowned Emperor of the Romans
•Age 58•Rome, Italy
On Christmas Day, Charlemagne is crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III in Rome, marking the formal establishment of the Carolingian Empire and his status as a Christian ruler.
813
Milestone
Designates Louis the Pious as heir
•Age 71•Aachen, Francia
Charlemagne designates his son, Louis the Pious, as his successor and has him crowned co-emperor. This ensures the continuity of the Carolingian dynasty.
814
814-01-28
Death
Dies in Aachen, Francia
•Age 71•Aachen, Francia
Charlemagne dies in Aachen, the capital of his empire, after a long and impactful reign. His legacy as a unifier and reformer of Europe endures for centuries.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made Charlemagne a legendary figure.
1
Carolingian Empire
2
Charlemagne's Code (Capitularies)
3
Cultural Renaissance
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Cultural & Historical Context
Frankish-French
Personality Traits
Understanding their character helps you have more meaningful conversations.
AmbitiousDiplomaticStrategic