Q: How did gain power? Explain your early career.
A: Surely. I was born in 742 as the grandson of the great Charles "The Hammer" Martel. In 741, my grandfather, who was also the King of Franks, died, and my father Pepin became King. He ruled the Franks for over twenty years but died in 768. My brother, Carloman, and I were the rightful heirs to the throne, and therefore we inherited the Frankish throne in 768. Soon after, my brother died, and I became the lone King of Franks.
Q: Discuss your plans of action in your early rule as King of the Franks.
A: At the time I came into power, Europe had fallen into the Dark Ages. People were constantly at war, the economy was suffering, the government was chaos, and people were just not happy. I made it my mission to use religion, science, and education to raise people's spirits and hopefully lighten the Dark Ages. I created a thirty-year plan to conquer the Saxons and convert them, as well as many other small groups, to Christianity. I also demonstrated my great military skills by conquering thousands of miles of land throughout all of Europe.
Q: What were some of your achievements once you were crowned Emperor?
A: By 800, I had established myself as the lone, supreme ruler of Western Europe and on Christmas Day, 800 AD, I was officially crowned Emperor of Europe. I then made it my mission to lighten the Dark Ages of Europe. I encouraged people to embrace arts, culture, literature, and religion and unite under these things, rather than fight about our minor differences. I also hired countless tutors and eventually began to learn how to read and write. I created hundreds of schools, and widely promoted education in children and even adults during this time.
Q: What is the controversy surrounding the name of the "Holy Roman Empire"?
A: When I was crowned Emperor in 800, I was supposedly named the "First Holy Roman Emperor" but I do not use this title for myself. This Empire that I preside over is not Holy, nor is it Roman, for God's sake! This title was not my choice, but that of the Pope's.
Thank you so much Charlemagne!
No comments:
Post a Comment