Ten quick facts about Charlemagne

Charlemagne was the Holy Roman Emperor whose astounding achievements changed our world forever. However, most people don’t know who he is. So here are ten quick facts about him.

Founding Father Of Europe

When historians say he is the founding father of Europe, they usually meant he protected the main religion(which was Christianity)and unified most Europe. However, he really was the founding father of Europe because most of his descendants founded the royal families of Europe.

Devout Christian

He was an extremist when it came to Christianity and did not allow any form of paganism in his Empire. He even executed four thousand people because they refused to convert to Christianity. He was a prime example of what a Christian should be like during his reign.

Military Genius

Surely you would expect this one after all unifying Western Europe is not easy at all. Charlemagne spent thirty years trying to conquer Western Europe something even his grandfather Charles Martel could not accomplish.

Charles The Hammer!

Charlemagne probably inherited his military skills from his Grandfather. Who managed to repel invasions from the Umayyad Empire and expanded the kingdom. He also started the groundworks for Europe’s greatest cavalry type. His reputation on the battlefield was so great, he was known as The Hammer.

Great Nickname

Charlemagne real name is called Charles, however, his nickname is how people recognise him. He is called Charlemagne so people don’t mistake him for his grandfather Charles Martel. Did you know Martel is a nickname for Charles which means ‘the hammer’?

Knights in Shining Armour

Like I said previously, Charles Martel started the groundworks for the greatest cavalry type. They were heavily armoured shock cavalry which we refer to as knights. Well just like his grandfather, Charlemagne saw their potential and invested in them. They were formidable on the battlefield and helped Charlemagne conquer most of Western Europe. They also changed the way battles were fought in Europe.

Prolific child-maker

Charlemagne also had a lot of kids which number to about 20. Most of them and their descendants were probably able to survive the turmoils that continued in Europe due to his genes and the wealth he left them. Today his descendants number around half a billion and you could be one of them.

Regent Father

Some people believe that Charlemagne comes from a long line of great kings and rulers. However, that is not true because his father was a regent who usurped the throne of the Merovingian dynasty. Therefore starting the Carolingian dynasty.

Co-Ruler of the Franks

Charlemagne had to rule together with his younger brother due to a succession law that states each son should have a share of the kingdom. This infuriated Charlemagne and he was close to fighting his brother for the throne. However, his brother died mysteriously leaving the throne to Charlemagne.

King of Commoners

Charlemagne was a man who wore normal clothing that commoners would wear, unlike other kings. He hated it when his courtiers would wear fancy clothing and would always pick on them for doing so. On one occasion he had them go on a hunt in such clothing and didn’t give them time to change so he could pick on why their clothes are dirty during his royal court.

Want to Know more about Charlemagne? Check my article about his life and achievements.

https://medium.com/@fsdamilaresaliufs/charlemagne-great-emperor-or-tyrant-7d71d510af00