Essay Examples on Charlemagne Essay Example

Essay Examples on Charlemagne Paper 1st Essay Sample on Charlemagne Einhard, in his The Life of Charlemagne, makes clear the fundamental integration of politics and religion during the reign of his king.Throughout his life, Charles the Great endeavored to acquire and use religious power to his desired ends.But, if Charlemagne was the premiere monarch of the western world, why was religious sanction and influence necessary to achieve his goals?In an age when military power was the primary means of expanding one’s empire, why did the most powerful military force in Europe go to such great lengths to ensure a benevolent relationship with the church?One possibility may be found in the tremendous social and political influence of Rome and her papacy upon the whole of the continent.Rather than a force to be opposed, Charlemagne viewed the church as a potential source of political power to be gained through negotiation and alliance.The relationship was one of great symbiosis, and both componants not only survived but prospered to eventual! ly domina te western Europe.For the King of the Franks, the church provided the means to accomplish the expansion and reformation of his empire.For the Holy Roman Church, Charles provided protection from invaders and new possibilities for missionary work. The blessing of the church helped to unify and strengthen the resolve of the Frankish people as they withstood or conquered the heathen Viking and eastern Germanic tribes.The fact that Charles was Christian and was backed by the Catholic church must have certainly helped keep other christian powers from allying with these barbarians.For Rome, there were suddenly new peoples to convert, and keep from direct opposition to the The Great Christian Emperor. Additionally, Charlemagne provided Rome with badly needed protection from Islamic invaders.Indeed, Charles saved most of Italy from Muslim piracy.When Rome became one with Carolingian empire, he â€Å"Defended and made it beautiful (page 285). 2nd Essay Sample on Charlemagne When Pepin, the King of the Franks died in 768, his sons Charlemagne and Carloman were appointed as his successors. The kingdom was divided equally between them.Charlemagne became sole ruler of the Frankish kingdom in 771 when his brother Carloman died.So began Charlemagnes reign as one of the greatest kings in medieval times.Under Charlemagnes rule, a common government, a common faith and a common culture united much of Western Europe. That was his legacy. It was not Charlemagnes military prowess that won him a vast kingdom, as Einhard believed. It was Charlemagnes strong personality that was the driving force behind his military successes, as well as the glue that held his kingdom together. We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Charlemagne specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Charlemagne specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Charlemagne specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Charlemagne was a simple man with strong family ties and religious beliefs. He was a man of great vision and determination with a diplomatic flair that few men of his time possessed. His exceptional organizational skills and his belief in education were the hallmarks of his administration. During his reign, Charlemagne engaged in numerous military campaigns. He so largely increased the Franks kingdom, which was already great and strong when he received it at his fathers hands, that more than double its former territory was added to it.While this was true, it was not principally Charles military leadership that brought him victory. Many battles were fought in his name, but he rarely accompanied his armies and fought no campaigns that are remembered for strategic brilliance.Charles fierce determination helped win him the empire as evidenced in the Aquitanian War. This was Charlesfirst military undertaking.