Charlemagne: Quick Facts

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Facts

Also Known As	Charles le Grand • Karl der Grosse • Carolus Magnus • Charles I • Charles the Great
Born	April 2, 747?
Died	January 28, 814 • Aachen • Germany
Title / Office	emperor (800-814), Holy Roman Empire
House / Dynasty	Carolingian dynasty
Notable Family Members	father Pippin III • son Louis I

Photos and Videos

Painting by Albrecht Durer of Charlemagne in ornate coronation robes and crown, holding a sword and orb, with gold embroidery and regal symbols behind him.

Historical map showing the Carolingian Empire at its height under Charlemagne, including the core Frankish Kingdom of 768, later acquisitions up to 814, and surrounding tributary peoples. An inset map depicts the territorial divisions of the empire after the Treaty of Verdun in 843, splitting it into three separate kingdoms. Major regions, cities, and neighboring peoples are labeled throughout western and central Europe.

Lindau Gospels cover

Charlemagne's throne

Charlemagne and Leo III

Charlemagne, stucco statue, probably 9th century. Church of St. John the Baptist, Münster, Switz.

Charlemagne and Leo III

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