More information about Charlemagne
Here are some interesting facts about Charlemagne:
1. The Abbasids were a dynasty that ruled much of the Muslim Empire from A.D. 750 to A.D. 1258. This powerful group of people, who ruled parts of central Asia, Iraq and Iran, saw the Franks as possible allies against the Umayyads, their opponents. To cement a positive relationship with Charlemagne, Abbasid ruler, Caliph Harun al-Rashid sent an envoy with gifts to the court of Charlemagne. Among these presents was an elephant named Abu al-Abbas, the only elephant the caliph possessed. Needless to say, this diplomatic trip was successful.
1. The Abbasids were a dynasty that ruled much of the Muslim Empire from A.D. 750 to A.D. 1258. This powerful group of people, who ruled parts of central Asia, Iraq and Iran, saw the Franks as possible allies against the Umayyads, their opponents. To cement a positive relationship with Charlemagne, Abbasid ruler, Caliph Harun al-Rashid sent an envoy with gifts to the court of Charlemagne. Among these presents was an elephant named Abu al-Abbas, the only elephant the caliph possessed. Needless to say, this diplomatic trip was successful.
2. In his personal life, Charlemagne had multiple wives and mistresses and
perhaps about 18 children. He was reportedly a devoted father, who obviously encouraged his children’s education. He allegedly loved his daughters so much that he prohibited them from marrying while he was alive.
3. In 1813, Charlemagne crowned his son Louis the Pious (778-840), king of
Aquitaine, as co-emperor. Louis became the sole emperor of his father's empire when Charlemagne died in January 814, ending his reign of more than four decades. Louis, a devoutly religious man, might have fared
better as a monk. Due to his ineffectiveness as a ruler, several shameful
tragedies occurred under Louis's reign. Later on in his life, Louis
left his three sons, Lothair, Charles the Bald, and Louis the German, his
kingdom.
perhaps about 18 children. He was reportedly a devoted father, who obviously encouraged his children’s education. He allegedly loved his daughters so much that he prohibited them from marrying while he was alive.
3. In 1813, Charlemagne crowned his son Louis the Pious (778-840), king of
Aquitaine, as co-emperor. Louis became the sole emperor of his father's empire when Charlemagne died in January 814, ending his reign of more than four decades. Louis, a devoutly religious man, might have fared
better as a monk. Due to his ineffectiveness as a ruler, several shameful
tragedies occurred under Louis's reign. Later on in his life, Louis
left his three sons, Lothair, Charles the Bald, and Louis the German, his
kingdom.