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TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > History > Charlemagne and the Imperial Coronation of 800

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• Charlemagne needed imperial coronation of 800 only conceptual framework which could validate and make acceptable his rule of the Saxon aristocracy after he had defeated them.

• What causes hegemonies to expand into empires – P.A Breunt – acquired dominions fighting for own security, of for protection of their allies.

• Trade, settlement and protection for empire – Palestine protects India –

• Carolingian expansion important aspects in terms of the Rhineland – important for Carolingian civilisation – churches of Cologne, Mainz and Worms further south – important for Carolingian expansion, importance Rhine trade - Dorestad massive increase activity 780s and 820s – Rhine wines, trade into Ipswich, sizeable volume as shown by coins circulating in north-west Europe in Charlemagne’s times – Metcalf’s says a million. Artery of Carolingian cultural and economic life – Charlemagne frequent visitor, yet territory between Rhine and West no natural protection from pagan Saxons to the east and West – Einhard suggests its vulnerability - “flat, open country

• If Charlemagne to protect Rhine had to control Weser prevent free movement of Saxons between the two rivers – permanently defend this river needs to beat and Christianise Saxons – Wallace-Hadrill “to the Franks, no pacification of hostile peoples seemed possible until these peoples spoke the same religious language and accepted the moralities of dealings as between Christians” -

Comments

- Einhard, Charlamagne's courtier and scholar modelled "The Life of Charlamagne" on Seutonius' "Life of The Ceasars" written in the C2nd. The significance of this is that in doing so Charlamagne inherited the image of authority which is a perception that challenged to authority of the Papacy.

- In addition, Pope Leo, before the Imperial Coronation sought Charlamagne's protection after narrowly escaping a supposed attack upon his life by a hostile faction, after accusations of him fornicating with a young lady. Interesting because apparently he had his tongue cut-out. This ties in with the wider debate about Charlamagne's Imperial Coronation being orchestrated. Furthermore, Charlamagne's belief of Christianity is sceptical because he crowned his son, not the Pope. And Einhard writes he didn't visit church much at all.

- The demise of Charlamagne's empire was the result of internal and external factors. There was the fact that it was so large with so much diversity in terms of economy, culture and geograpghy that not one single policy of ownership could govern it. There was monarchical disputes, internal. Treaty of Verdun, empire divided thrice for the sons.

--Fruliz 18/8/08.