The Life of Charlemagne

The most important segment of the biography, considered from a world-historical point of view, is that which may seem the most controversial, even shocking, to modern ears. This is of course the segment that deals with Charlemagne's various forays in all directions, in wars of conquest or reconquest. Einhard's positioning of the discussion of Charlemagne's conquests of the continent is fundamental to his design, or what might be termed the political and cultural background of his biography. What must be understood about Einhard's biography of Charlemagne is that it was written by a courtier. But as a courtier, Einhard's political view, frankly partial, has to be recognized as profoundly patriotic. To put it another way, Einhard sought to develop the biography in a way that would legitimate, rationalize--perhaps excuse--the behavior of Charlemagne as a conquering king. If Einhard can explicate Charlemagne's motiv

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y provide ample illustration of the assertion that in any context besides a profoundly moral one, Charlemagne's wars of conquest could hardly find moral sanction. But Charlemagne had saved the Church; the Church was the most important and stable of medieval institutions; it follows that (by Einhard's lights) such a king could do no wrong. In particular, it follows that Charlemagne's mission as king and the Church's mission in the world are very much identified. No action was too great for a king who meets resistance from (ungodly) Saxons or other ungodly peoples: "War was duly declared against them" (p. 62). Einhard's Charlemagne considers conquest his right and tribute his due; it is a presumption Einhard shares. All other kingdoms are characterized as subservient to the acknowledged superiority of the Frankish king. Behind the chronicle of wars and conquests, behind the presentation of an endlessly patient, if somewhat unlucky in love, king is the making of a moral case for European hegemony, and in particular a Charlemagnian one, by virtue of the strength of Charlemagne's personal power. Such power survives Charlemagne after death, for Einhard cites earthquakes and celestial signs surrounding his passing from the scene
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1872
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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