Human Heritage: A World History

Chapter 18: The Franks

Web Activity Lesson Plans

“The True Charlemagne”

Introduction
Students have read about Charlemagne, the Frank ruler of western Europe in the 8th and 9th centuries. In this exercise, students will learn more about Charlemagne's personality and daily activities by reading a portion of the biography written by his close friend and courtier, Einhard.

Lesson Description
Students will use information from the Medieval Sourcebook's Einhard: Life of Charlemagne Web site to learn about the personality and daily activities of Charlemagne. Students will browse the page, reading about his appearance, his clothes, his meals, his habits, and his children. Students will then answer four questions and apply this information by imagining they are Charlemagne's courtier, Einhard, whose duty it is to record Charlemagne's activities for one day.

Instruction Objectives

1. Students will be able to describe the daily activities and the personality of Charlemagne.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to record the activities of Charlemagne for one day.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Most of the time, Charlemagne wore the national outfit of the Franks which was a linen shirt and linen breeches with a tunic fringed with silk. Over the tunic he word a close-fitting coat, and over that he wore a blue cloak. He also wore hose and shoes. He always carried a sword decorated with gold, silver, or jewels. On feast days, he wore embroidered clothes, jeweled shoes, and a crown.
2. Einhard states that Charlemagne was moderate in his drinking and eating. Normally he ate four courses, not counting the roast. While eating, he liked to listen to readings or music.
3. Because he started so late in life, Charlemagne was unable to write very well.
4. Charlemagne was very attentive as a father, and never wanted to eat his meals or travel without his children. Their education was very important to him, and he encouraged them to pursue any academic interest. He did not approve, however, of his daughters marrying.
5. Students' activity logs will vary.