A review by inquiry_from_an_anti_library
Charlemagne by Johannes Fried

adventurous challenging informative inspiring slow-paced

3.0

Is This An Overview?

Charlemagne was a warrior king, who became a medieval emperor.  The Franks were in a constant state of conflict to finance itself and organize the social classes.  As king, Charlemagne needed to expand territory to prove oneself worthy of leadership, and to provide the retinue with rewards.  Efforts were made towards integration of the conquered lands and people, but local laws and customs tended to be accepted and retained.   

 

During the era, there was no separation between Church and state.  Charlemagne was a defender of Christendom.  Needed to protect churches and the faithful.  Even Rome needed the Franks for defense of their independence.  Various conquests were justified for providing religious services.  Charlemagne gave the clergy wealth and power, and in return, the clergy were to bring salvation to the people.

 

Charlemagne initiated the development of an educational infrastructure.  Wanted to educated oneself and the empire.  Educational efforts which enabled literacy, that was used to improve the efficiency of Frankish bureaucracy and to understand religious matters.  Churches established schools which enabled a literate administration of power.  Knowledge was sought after no matter the source, as foreign ideas were welcomed and schools established which supported their culture and learning.

 

Caveats?

This book is difficult to read, mainly caused by the data gaps.  The author often repeats how much is not known about Charlemagne, the Franks, and the era.   Data gaps that contribute to a lack of details on many events, and reasons for the events.