Charlemagne

Charles was born in modern day Belgium, and was named after his grandfather Charles Martel. However, most of his life he was called Charlemagne, which translates to Charles the Great. He was called this because of his admirable and numerous achievements in military. Charlemagne's reign opened my eyes to how power can change the way you think, making you want to become more and more powerful.

In 786 at the age of 26, Charlemagne became the co-ruler of Carolingian, and shortly after in 771 he became the sole ruler when Carloman died. He married a Lombard princess, but ended his relationship quickly and turned against the Lombards to help Pope Adrian 1 regain territory, in order to become more well known in Europe. He won the battle and received an iron crown, and then became the official King of France and Italy, making him the most powerful man in Europe. Charlemagne married a german woman named Hildegard, and had nine children with her, but had an abundance of children with countless other women. Charlemagne clearly knew his power, and once he had it, only fought for more.

After becoming the most powerful man in Europe, Charlemagne experienced almost constant war during his reign. Charlemagne was a very good general like his grandfather, and he had a famous sword that he used in battle called the "Joyeuse". Even hearing the name of the sword made soldiers shudder in terror, for it had killed many men. Charlemagne won almost all the battles he fought in, and often expanded his territory. He attacked the the city of Saragossa and killed many Muslims, he conquered the Slavs and the Avars, and he expanded to Hispania, Corsica, and Sardinia. When the Saxons revolted against forced christianity, Charlemagne ordered 4,500 Saxon prisoners to be executed in the Massacre of Verdun. Charlemagne also helped Pope Leo of Rome defend his country, earning himself the title "Holy Roman Emperor".

Charlemagne emphasized education for boys, girls, and adults who weren't educated as children. According to the facts, Charlemagne's reign was very successful, but as a child living in that era, it would have been very hard to always have my father away at war, and be starting school instead of helping my mother doing the housework. Charlemagne appointed his two favorite sons as the next kings, and as he wished they both became well equipped generals. His sons Charles and Pepin, co-ruled very well together for quite some time, but soon enough, the need for power got the best of them.