Birthday: April 2, 747 (Aries)
Born In: Aachen, Germany
Charlemagne or Charles the Great (also called Charles I) was a medieval ruler - the emperor of most of the Western Europe. He was one of the most famous and powerful leaders to ever reign over Europe and is termed as ‘Father of Europe’ by some historians. During his reign, he brought into force many laws in order to keep the society well-organized and encourage learning. He built several churches and palaces, most of which are still standing but his main focus was to unite the Western Europe the way it had been during the time of the ancient Roman Empire. Before his death, he had already expanded his empire from modern-day France, Belgium, and the Netherlands to include Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, northern Spain, and northern Italy. The centre of his empire was Aachen, a city in western Germany near modern-day Belgium. It was here that he built his palace and a remarkable church which is one of the most important historic buildings in the world. By the time Charlemagne died, his Frankish empire was as big as the Byzantine Empire and had become the largest empire in Europe since that of the ancient Romans.
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Also Known As: Charles the Great
Died At Age: 66
Spouse/Ex-: Luitgard (m. 794 AD), Desiderata of the Lombards (m. 770 AD–771 AD), Fastrada (m. 784 AD–794 AD), Hildegard of Savoy (m. 771 AD–783 AD)
father: Pepin the Short
mother: Bertrada of Laon
siblings: Carloman I, Gisela
children: Abbott of Saint-Riquier, Adalhaid, Amaudru, Bertha, Charles of Neustria, daughter of Charlemagne, Drogo of Metz, Gisela, Hildegarde, Hiltrude, Hugh, Lothair, Louis the Pious, Pepin of Italy, Pepin the Hunchback, Richbod, Rotrude, son of Charlemagne, Theodoric, Theodrada
Born Country: Germany
Died on: January 28, 814
place of death: Aachen, Germany
City: Aachen, Germany
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Charlemagne is known for expanding the Frankish kingdom, fostering education and culture through the Carolingian Renaissance, and establishing a strong centralized government.
Charlemagne played a significant role in spreading Christianity throughout his empire by enforcing religious conversions, supporting church reforms, and promoting the Christian faith through educational initiatives.
Charlemagne's military campaigns, such as the conquest of Lombardy and the Saxons, greatly expanded his empire's territory and solidified his power over various regions in Europe.
Charlemagne's coronation as Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III symbolized the revival of the Roman Empire in the West and strengthened the bond between the Church and the state.
Charlemagne introduced administrative reforms, standardized laws, and promoted the use of written records, which improved governance, enhanced communication, and facilitated the efficient management of his empire.
Charlemagne was a polyglot and could speak several languages, including Latin and Greek, in addition to his native Frankish dialect.
He was known for his love of learning and promoted education throughout his empire, establishing schools and inviting scholars to his court.
Charlemagne was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, particularly in the forests of his realm.
Despite his power and influence, Charlemagne was known for his humility and simple lifestyle, often dining on basic foods and wearing plain clothing.
Charlemagne had a close relationship with his daughters and supported their education and involvement in political matters, breaking with traditional gender roles of the time.
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