CHARLES THE GREAT, RULER OF THE FRANKS
After an engraving in Green's History of England
WORK COPYING MANUSCRIPT, 1200 A. D.
297. Charlemagne. While the Germans were still moving into the Roman Empire the Franks had set up a government under Clovis. They had become Christians and lived on friendly terms with the church. They grew strong and settled down to a more orderly and quiet way of living. Their first great king, Charles Martel, the Hammer, checked the invasion of the Mohammedans at Tours (732), and again Europe and Christianity were saved. But the greatest of all the leaders of the Franks was Charlemagne, the grandson of Charles Martel, for he was not only a great conqueror but a wise and able ruler.
CHARLES THE GREAT AT THE SCHOOL OF THE PALACE
Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, was by far the most famous man of his time. He seemed to be a happy fusion of Germanic strength and Roman learning. He was tall and strong, with large, bright eyes, fair hair, and a face round and laughing. He exercised much, riding, hunting, and swimming. He liked the Frankish costume: "... next to his skin a linen shirt and linen breeches, and above these a tunic fringed with silk; while hose fastened by bands covered his lower limbs, and shoes his feet, and he shielded his shoulders and chest in winter by a close-fitting coat of otter or marten skin. Over all he cast a blue coat: always too he had a sword girt about him."
Character of Charles
The School of the Palace
Charles ate and drank with care, never taking too much of either food or drink. During his meals his attendants entertained him with reading and music. He liked the stories and deeds of the olden time and the books of Augustine. He was a good speaker, easily understood. He loved learning, but had little education himself. He had the famous School of the Palace in his own home to educate his own children and those of the nobles. Wise teachers like Peter of Pisa, and Alcuin of England were brought to his court. He helped the priests in their study and in building schools. Charles loved the church and gave much to aid its educational and religious work. He really brought learning to the people.
Charlemagne's wars
Charles the Great was for three years ruler with his father (768-771), then sole ruler until 814. His kingdom was surrounded on all sides by fierce enemies. Most of his long rule was taken up in fighting the wild Germans to the north and east, the Arabs in Spain, or the Lombards and others to protect the church in Italy. He was a great warrior. Before his death he had brought most of western Europe under his rule.
Crowned Emperor of Rome
298. The Crowning of Charlemagne. So successful was he that it seemed the Roman Empire was again to live in the memories of men. God was surely with him. How simple it then seemed to bestow the symbol of divine blessing upon Charles! On Christmas day, 800, Charles was in Rome. And on that sacred day of the Christians he entered the great church and knelt in prayer before the altar. In that solemn moment the pope, as the messenger on earth of God, quietly stepped to where Charles was kneeling. Lifting the crown which he held in his hands, he placed it upon the head of the king of the Franks and proclaimed him Emperor of Rome (800). What glorious memories it must have brought to the thousands gathered there! In their joy they cried out: "Long life and victory to the mighty Charles, the great and pacific emperor of the Romans, crowned of God!"
How he governed
299. The Ruler Charlemagne. Charles was a great ruler as well as soldier. He divided his territory into districts over each of which a count ruled. An army officer cared for all military matters. At certain times inspectors passed over the several districts. These three officers reported directly to Charles and were checks on the conduct of each other.
His just laws
Some of the orders which he sent to his officers show how great and just a ruler he was. He orders that "all shall live entirely in accordance with God's precept, justly and under a just rule, and each one shall be admonished to live in harmony with his fellows." Let no one "do injury to the churches of God, or to the poor, or the widows, or the wards, or any Christian." He then lays down the rules of living for the clergy, nuns, bishops, and other church officers, that their lives may be holy and their influence good.
He wanted to see justice done all over his kingdom—to the poor as well as to the rich. Wonderful stories, some true, have been woven about the name of the great emperor.
Why his empire fell
He built up a great empire, but it was too great to live long. There were too many races with different ways of living, and the provinces were too far apart. When the strength and wisdom of his hand and head passed away in death, the great empire began to crumble and fall apart.
SUGGESTIONS INTENDED TO HELP THE PUPILS
The Leading Facts. 1. Julius Caesar takes the popular side. 2. Governor of Gaul. 3. Conquest of Gaul and the Germans. 4. Caesar invades Britain. 5. Crosses the Rubicon and becomes ruler of the Roman Empire. 6. Why he was assassinated. 7. What Rome gave to the world. 8. Rome famous for its wonderful buildings and roads. 9. Her great literature. 10. How Rome prepared the way for Christianity. 11. Coming of the Huns and Teutons marks the downfall of Rome. 12. The removal of the Roman emperor and Odoacer made king. 13. Anglo-Saxons in Britain. 14. Rome takes Christianity to the Germans. 15. Charles the Great. 16. The Palace School. 17. The crowning of Charlemagne.
Study Questions. 1. Who was Julius Caesar? 2. What did he do to make people remember him? 3. Why did good men join in murdering him? 4. Name the different things given to the world by Rome? 5. Explain how Rome helped Christianity. 6. Who were the Huns and the Teutons? 7. Tell about the following in Charlemagne's career: (1) The battle of Tours; (2) How Charlemagne looked and dressed; (3) His Palace School; (4) How he ruled the Franks; (5) How he was crowned; (6) Why his empire crumbled at his death.
Suggested Readings. Tappan, The Story of the Roman People, 123-237; Harding, The City of the Seven Hills, 184-211; Yonge, Young Folks' History of Rome, 229; Clarke, The Story of Caesar; Guerber, The Story of the Romans.