CharlemagnCharlemagnee

CharlemagneCharlemagne

Son of Pepin IIISon of Pepin III Ruled the kingdom Ruled the kingdom

of France with his of France with his brother. brother.

Educated and raised Educated and raised as a Christianas a Christian

Becoming a RulerBecoming a Ruler In 768 Pepin diedIn 768 Pepin died Charlemagne and his Charlemagne and his

brother took over their brother took over their father’s kingdom.father’s kingdom.

His brother died in 771 His brother died in 771 making him ruler of making him ruler of the Franks.the Franks.

Immediately he sought Immediately he sought to expand his empire.to expand his empire. Led his men into battle Led his men into battle

himself.himself. 6 feet 4 inches tall.6 feet 4 inches tall.

EmperorEmperor

Forced people to Forced people to become Christians.become Christians.

Christmas Mass in Christmas Mass in 800, Pope Leo III 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne crowned Charlemagne emperor of former emperor of former Roman Empire.Roman Empire.

Emperor (cont.)Emperor (cont.) He ruled all of western He ruled all of western

Europe except England Europe except England and Scandinavia.and Scandinavia.

He issued commands He issued commands called capitularies.called capitularies. Covered everything from Covered everything from

church matters to church matters to punishment.punishment.

He promoted culture He promoted culture and learning.and learning.

He invited leading He invited leading scholars to further scholars to further educate clergy in his educate clergy in his court.court. Supervise the copying of Supervise the copying of

classic Roman literature.classic Roman literature. Originals have since been Originals have since been

lost. lost.

He changed the course of He changed the course of historyhistory

By beginning the Carolingian By beginning the Carolingian RenaissanceRenaissance

By spreading ChristianityBy spreading Christianity By uniting almost all Europe By uniting almost all Europe By protecting the Holy Roman ChurchBy protecting the Holy Roman Church By documenting history By documenting history By turning enemies into friendsBy turning enemies into friends By using the feudal system By using the feudal system By introducing educationBy introducing education

Palace and Chapel of CharlemagnePalace and Chapel of Charlemagne

792 – 805 AD, Aachen