Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, remains one of the most influential figures in European history. As King of the Franks, King of the Lombards, and the first Holy Roman Emperor, his legacy shaped the political and cultural structure of medieval Europe. But beyond his well-known accomplishments, Charlemagne’s life also included many fascinating details that give insight into the man behind the legend. These lesser-known and fun facts about Charlemagne make his story even more interesting and show why he continues to capture the imagination of historians and history lovers alike.
Charlemagne Couldn’t Write, but He Could Read
Despite being a great patron of learning and education, Charlemagne never fully learned to write. He was able to read Latin and understood Greek, and he supported schools and scholarly efforts throughout his empire. According to his biographer Einhard, Charlemagne tried to learn to write later in life and kept tablets under his pillow to practice at night, but his efforts never bore much fruit.
He Loved Baths and Hot Springs
One of Charlemagne’s favorite pastimes was bathing, particularly in natural hot springs. He often visited the town of Aachen, where thermal waters were plentiful. He even built a royal palace there with impressive bathing facilities. These baths were not just for hygiene; they were social hubs and places for political discussion. Aachen later became the capital of his empire.
Charlemagne Had a Very Large Family
Charlemagne fathered a significant number of children at least 18 from multiple wives and concubines. He was very involved in their lives and education, particularly with his sons, whom he hoped would one day rule parts of his empire. His daughters, interestingly, were not married during his lifetime, likely because he preferred to keep them close and perhaps had political reasons for doing so.
He Was Crowned Emperor by Surprise
On Christmas Day in the year 800, Charlemagne was crowned ‘Emperor of the Romans’ by Pope Leo III in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. According to some sources, Charlemagne did not know the Pope was going to do this and may have been displeased with the act. He is reported to have said that he would not have entered the church had he known what was going to happen.
Charlemagne Promoted Education and the Arts
Although he could not write himself, Charlemagne was a strong advocate for learning. He initiated what is known as the Carolingian Renaissance a revival of art, culture, and learning based on classical models. He invited scholars from across Europe to his court, including Alcuin of York, who helped standardize Latin and educational texts.
Some of His Cultural Reforms Included:
- Founding palace schools and monasteries with attached schools
- Requiring priests and monks to be literate
- Preserving and copying ancient Roman manuscripts
He Standardized Currency
To bring economic stability to his growing empire, Charlemagne introduced a standardized currency system. He established the silver denarius as the primary coinage, making it easier to trade across regions. This reform strengthened commerce and taxation throughout the Carolingian Empire.
Charlemagne Had a Legendary Sword Named Joyeuse
Like many figures of medieval history, Charlemagne had a famous weapon. His sword, known as Joyeuse, was said to change color and shine brighter than the sun. The sword became a powerful symbol of French kingship and was later used in the coronation ceremonies of French monarchs.
He Encouraged the Use of the Carolingian Minuscule Script
One of the lasting effects of Charlemagne’s cultural initiatives was the promotion of a clearer and more legible handwriting style called Carolingian minuscule. This script eventually influenced modern lowercase typefaces and helped preserve many important texts from antiquity.
He Had a Close Relationship with the Church
Charlemagne’s rule was closely tied to the Christian Church. He saw himself as the protector of Christendom and often collaborated with the Pope. He helped spread Christianity across his empire, sometimes by force, especially during the Saxon Wars. His support for the Church earned him immense influence in both spiritual and political matters.
Religious Reforms Introduced by Charlemagne:
- Uniform liturgical practices
- Supervised church doctrine and discipline
- Built churches and monasteries throughout his realm
Charlemagne Was Very Tall for His Time
According to historical accounts, Charlemagne stood over six feet tall, which was extraordinary for someone living in the early Middle Ages. This impressive height contributed to his commanding presence and may have helped reinforce his image as a larger-than-life ruler and military leader.
He Died in Aachen and Was Buried There
Charlemagne died in 814 in Aachen, the city he loved and had developed as the center of his empire. He was buried in the Aachen Cathedral, which he had commissioned. The location of his exact tomb remains uncertain, but it became a place of pilgrimage and reverence for many years afterward.
He Left a Divided Empire
Although Charlemagne united much of Western Europe during his lifetime, his empire did not stay intact for long after his death. His son, Louis the Pious, inherited the throne, but internal conflicts and external pressures led to the division of the empire into three parts under Charlemagne’s grandsons by the Treaty of Verdun in 843.
Charlemagne Is Considered a Father of Europe
Due to his unification of much of the European continent and promotion of a shared Christian identity, Charlemagne is often referred to as the Father of Europe. His legacy influenced the political map of Europe for centuries and inspired later leaders such as Napoleon and the architects of the European Union.
He Was Canonized Then Uncanonized
Interestingly, Charlemagne was declared a saint by the antipope Paschal III in 1165. However, this canonization was never recognized by the official Roman Catholic Church. Despite this, he is still revered by some Christian traditions, particularly in parts of Germany and France.
Charlemagne’s legacy is one of power, ambition, cultural revival, and enduring myth. From his unexpected imperial coronation to his love for hot baths and education, the many fun facts about Charlemagne reveal a complex and charismatic leader. His actions not only shaped the medieval world but also laid the foundations for the future of Europe. Whether admired as a saint, a king, or a cultural icon, Charlemagne continues to captivate historians and readers with the depth and richness of his life story.