Einhard: The Life of Charlemagne Essay Example

unanimously, as King of the Franks. Some of Charles greatest achievements in life were through his military efforts. The Aquitanian War, which Pepin had begun, was reignited by Charles with great determination. Hunold, who was attempting to seize power in Aquitania, was pursued relentlessly by the Franks. Charles sent ambassadors to Gascony where Hunold had fled. The kings demand of fugitive or force, was communicated to Lupus, the Duke of Gascony.

Lupus conceded, giving up Hunold, himself, and his providence. Next came the king’s declaration of war pon the Lombards and the Saxons. Charlemagne exhausted King Desiderious of Lombard after a long siege, forcing him to surrender and driving his son out of the country. Charlemagne then restored power to the Romans. The Saxon War, which had been on hold, resumed and lasted for 33 years. It was a bitter and costly war in which the Saxons were defeated countless times. They would humbly comply with the kings wishes to denounce the devil and turn to Christianity, but would always violate the agreement. The king, once and for all, defeated those that resisted.

He then relocated tens of thousands of families throughout Germany and Gaul and absorbed them in to the Franks union to form as one country. A great many of the wars Charlemagne waged unfolded in much the same manner; submitting to his will with minimal detriment to the Franks. Every town and castle of Spain that Charles attacked, surrendered, with no loss of life to the home army. Both Breton and Benevento were subdued without warfare. War with the Huns in 791, lasted significantly longer, battling for seven years; only

two Franks fell.

At the end of that war, the Hun nobility and all of their glory had perished and the Franks were rewarded with magnificent riches. The question had been asked, “Whether [the kings] fortitude or his good fortune [was] to be more admired. ” (Einhard) Charles never trusted in his prosperity and was unyielding in the face of adversity. Through his efforts he more than doubled the territory he had inherited. The private life that Charles the Great led was said to be equally as extraordinary, full of admiration from those that knew him intimately.

The kings of foreign countries sought not just alliance with Charlemagne, but his friendship. The King of Persia once sent Charles the only elephant he had, at his request. It is said that he openly wept, as though he had lost a brother, upon the death of Hadrian, the Roman Pontiff. The king went to great lengths during his reign to protect foreigners, never feeling them a burden. Charlemagne, even in the face of deceit, spared the life of those that conspired against him. Charlemagne’s children were shown the utmost affection from their father.

He never travelled or even ate dinner without them by his side. He paid a great deal of attention to their education; both the girls and boys. The king cherished his daughters so, that he never allowed a man, citizen or foreigner, to seek marriage with one of them. Christianity was one of the biggest driving forces in Charlemagne’s life; he was at constant worship. It was for his faith that he had the beautiful basilica built along with many other

great works of architecture in the name Christ.

He went to great lengths to do all he could for his church. King Charles even sent gifts to foreign Christians that he found were in poverty and befriended the kings of those countries in hopes of facilitating relief. At the time of Charlemagne’s death, he had reigned for 47 prosperous years. It is written that as death approached, the sun eclipsed the moon; through various omens, it seemed as though the earth had already begun to morn him. This great work of Einhards speaks volumes to the soul and history is grateful to have discovered it.