Charlemagne: The Integration of Military and Religious Aspects of Politics

Summary

This chapter discusses Charlemagne’s reign and how he continued the pattern of political and religious integration established by his predecessors. It highlights his conquests, the social revolution that resulted from his Christianization of Saxony, and the foundation of his capital in Aachen. Additionally, the chapter explores Charlemagne’s successful education and reform projects, which expanded for three generations and reshaped the government of the Carolingian lands.

Charlemagne’s Expectation of Up-to-Date Information from Generals
Charles Martel’s Military Accomplishments
Pippin and Church Reform
Charlemagne’s Conquests and Social Revolution
Charlemagne’s Capital and Political Innovations

Q&A

Q: What was the mixture of military and religious aspects of politics that was prevalent during Charlemange’s reign?

A: Charlemagne inherited the mixture of military and religious aspects of politics from his predecessors and greatly extended it through war. He conquered and Christianized Saxony over the course of thirty years, which resulted in a social revolution. He also conquered Lombard Italy and annexed the Lombard kingdom, becoming the king of the Franks and Lombards. Additionally, he waged a war against the Avars and became the first to use Saxons and Slavs as cavalry in Europe.

Q: How did Charlemagne’s invitation of intellectuals and programmatic legislation contribute to his successful reform projects?

A: Charlemagne’s invitation of intellectuals and programmatic legislation was crucial to his successful reform projects. He invited Alcuin to lead his education programme, which promoted basic literacy and a proper understanding of theology and the Bible. This programme expanded for three generations, providing the Carolingian lands with well-educated and skilled administrators. Additionally, Charlemagne’s eighty-five capitularies showed his innovation in moral-political practice, matching Justinian.

Q: How did Charlemagne’s conquests provide essential resources for his generosity in gift-giving?

A: Charlemagne’s conquests provided him with the necessary resources to be generous in gift-giving. The resources included land, offices, and wealth gained from his wars. He controlled all of them and could give them as honors to supporters. Furthermore, Charlemagne’s government was reshaped as required, making him successful in his political projects and gaining widespread dominance and support from his subjects.

Q: How did Pippin’s request for advice from Pope Zacharias lead to his ascent to the throne?

A: Pippin’s request for advice from Pope Zacharias led to his ascent to the throne and the imprisonment of Merovingian king Childeric III. Pippin wrote to Pope Zacharias to ask for advice on the lack of royal power in Francia at the time. This request allowed Pope Zacharias to declare that the person who should have the royal title was the one who had the power, not the one who only had the title. Additionally, Pippin’s anointing by Boniface, archbishop of Mainz, and subsequent re-anointing by Pope Stephen II in exchange for help against the Lombards reinforced his claim to the throne.

Q: How did Charlemagne establish total authority in the Frankish heartland, overthrew potential rivals, and established a strong military aggregation?

A: Charlemagne established total authority in the Frankish heartland, overthrew potential rivals, and established a strong military aggregation through regular campaigns and subjection of Alemannia and Aquitaine. During his conquests, Charlemagne ensured that he controlled local power holders, removing them from power and replacing them with people he could trust. This allowed him to establish total authority in the Frankish heartland.

Q: What was the role of the Church in Charlemagne’s reign?

A: Church reform was a priority under Pippin’s reign, and it continued under Charlemagne. Charlemagne ensured that compulsory tithes were paid, and church councils were held under Chrodegang bishop of Metz. The Church was also essential in legitimizing Charlemagne’s rule, with his anointing as king by Pope Stephen II reinforcing his claim to the throne. Furthermore, the Church played a critical role in Charlemagne’s education and reform projects.

Conclusion

Charlemagne’s reign was characterized by the integration of military and religious aspects of politics, which continued his predecessors’ patterns. His successful conquests, social revolution in Saxony, foundation of his capital in Aachen, and extensive education and reform projects reshaped the government of the Carolingian lands. Charlemagne’s invitation of intellectuals and programmatic legislation matched Justinian and contributed to his successful political projects. The role of the Church was also essential to Charlemagne’s rule, legitimizing his claim to the throne and playing a critical role in his education and reform projects.