Human Heritage: A World History

"The True Charlemagne"

Introduction
In the late 700s, Charlemagne was known as the powerful and just ruler who united the Germanic tribes under the Frankish Empire. After 800, he was crowned emperor by the pope. Charlemagne brought education and an appreciation of the arts to his empire. Einhard, Charlemagne's good friend and courtier, provides us with the most extensive account of his life. To get an idea of what Charlemagne's personality was like, study Einhard's accounts at the Medieval Sourcebook's Einhard: Life of Charlemagne Web site.

Destination Title: Medieval Sourcebook's Einhard: Life of Charlemagne

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Directions
Start at the Medieval Sourcebook's Einhard: Life of Charlemagne Web site.

• Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.
• Then answer the following questions.

1			Describe the clothes Charlemagne wore.
2			During the course of a day, what would Charlemagne have eaten?
3			What was Charlemagne unable to do well because he learned it so late in life?
4			What was Charlemagne like as a father?
5			Imagine you are Einhard. Record on a separate sheet of paper one day's activities in Charlemagne's life. Take clear and complete notes, starting with when he first awakens and ending with when he retires at night.