# Charlemagne (DD-217)

> Charlemagne (Charles the Great, about 747 to 814) was King of the Franks from 768 and King of the Lombards from 774. On Christmas Day 800, Pope Leo III crowned him Emperor of the Romans, a title later seen as the start of the Holy Roman Empire. His reign saw the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of learning, art and religious scholarship through the Church, including new schools and the standardized Carolingian minuscule script. His biographer Einhard wrote that he tried to learn to write late in life but had little success. The footage shows illustrations of Charlemagne and his court, with the presenter.

- Department: People (also History)
- First published: 2024-04-24
- Last updated: 2024-04-24
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/charlemagne/
- Original Reel title: Charlemagne 📖
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-217-F01**: He ruled the Franks from 768. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (King of the Franks))_
- **DD-217-F02**: He was crowned emperor in 800. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Christmas 800))_

## Write-up

Charlemagne championed schools even though he struggled to write. The Pope crowned him emperor on Christmas Day in 800.

1. **King of the Franks**: He ruled the Franks from 768.
2. **Christmas 800**: He was crowned emperor in 800.
3. **Carolingian Renaissance**: His reign revived learning.
4. **Schools**: He supported schools.
5. **Writing**: Einhard says he struggled to learn to write.

## Related case files

- [The First Roman Emperor (DD-213)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-first-roman-emperor/): I linked the empire whose title he revived
- [Little Boot (DD-215)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/little-boot/): I linked an emperor of the Rome whose title he revived
- [Le Petit Caporal (DD-224)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/le-petit-caporal/): I linked an earlier ruler crowned emperor of much of Europe

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The Reel calls him the first Holy Roman Emperor. He was crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800; the name Holy Roman Empire came into use centuries later.
- **Note**: The Reel says he was illiterate for much of his life. His biographer Einhard says he tried to learn to write late and did not succeed; he is believed to have been able to read.

## Video: Charlemagne: Charlemagne Championed Schools Even Though He Struggled to Write

- Duration: 32.6 s · Published: 2024-04-24
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C6KU_NZLcfR.mp4

### Transcript

Charles the Great, also known as Charlemagne, was a king who became the first Holy Roman Emperor and was a legendary figure in European history. He is renowned for his role in the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of art, religion, and culture through the auspices of the church. DID YOU KNOW? Charlemagne was illiterate for much of his life, yet he championed education and learning, establishing schools and encouraging scholarly pursuits. His legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of his vision for a united Europe under the banner of learning and Christian faith. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What does 'Charlemagne' mean?**  
A: Charles the Great. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (King of the Franks) · Wikipedia: Charlemagne)_

**Q: When was he crowned emperor?**  
A: Christmas Day. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Christmas 800) · Wikipedia: Charlemagne)_

**Q: Who crowned him?**  
A: In Rome. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Carolingian Renaissance) · Wikipedia: Carolingian Renaissance)_

**Q: What revival did his reign bring?**  
A: Learning and art. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Schools) · Wikipedia: Carolingian Renaissance)_

**Q: What did he struggle to learn?**  
A: Per Einhard. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Writing) · Wikipedia: Charlemagne)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Charlemagne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlemagne)
- [Wikipedia: Carolingian Renaissance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolingian_Renaissance)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Charlemagne." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-217, last updated Apr 24, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/charlemagne/