What made Charlemagne such a "Great Man" or what are the main reasons he is famous today??
Charlemagne was King of the Franks from 768 to his death. He expanded the Frankish kingdoms into a Frankish Empire that incorporated much of Western and Central Europe. During his reign, he conquered Italy and was crowned Imperator Augustus by Pope Leo III on 25 December 800 as a rival of the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople. His rule is also associated with the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of art, religion, and culture through the medium of the Catholic Church. Through his foreign conquests and internal reforms, Charlemagne helped define both Western Europe and the Middle Ages. He is numbered as Charles I in the regnal lists of France, Germany, and the Holy Roman Empire.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlemagne
Angie -- when you copy from a book or website, always be sure you give its source and enclose the passage in quotation marks.
Your paragraph came from Wikipedia.
ok, i'll remember that..
Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, is famous for several reasons that contribute to his reputation as a significant historical figure. Here are the main reasons why Charlemagne is considered a "Great Man" and is remembered today:
1. Expansion of the Frankish Kingdom: Charlemagne significantly expanded the Frankish Kingdom, which was situated in present-day France and Germany. Through numerous military campaigns, he conquered vast territories, uniting them under his rule and extending his influence across Western Europe.
2. Carolingian Renaissance: Charlemagne played a crucial role in the revival of learning and cultural development in Europe during the Middle Ages. He promoted education and established a network of schools, monastic scriptoria, and libraries. Charlemagne also fostered the arts, literature, and religious reforms, commissioning the production of beautiful manuscripts.
3. Holy Roman Emperor: In 800 CE, Charlemagne was crowned as the Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III, marking the revival of the Roman Empire in Western Europe since its fall in 476 CE. This event not only gave Charlemagne immense prestige and influence but also established a symbolic connection between the Roman Empire and the medieval European rulers, shaping the course of European history.
4. Legal Reforms: Charlemagne introduced important legal reforms aimed at unifying and stabilizing his vast empire. He codified laws, known as the Capitularies, which helped establish a sense of justice and order throughout his territories. These reforms laid the foundation for future legal systems in Europe.
5. Christianization: Charlemagne was a devout Christian and played a key role in the spread and consolidation of Christianity in Europe. He converted and baptized many pagans, sought to hold the church accountable, and actively supported missionary activities.
To research further, you can read books and articles specifically focusing on Charlemagne's life and achievements. Analyzing primary sources such as the Capitularies or biographical accounts of his reign can provide more in-depth insights into his actions and their historical impact.