Carlo Magno
- Born:
- Possibly April 2, 742, Liège, present-day Belgium
- Died:
- January 28, 814, Aachen, present-day Germany
- Nationality:
- Frankish
- Profession(s):
- King of the Franks, King of the Lombards, Emperor of the Romans
Early Life and Education
- Son of Pepin the Short and Bertrada of Laon.
- His early education is not extensively documented, but likely included military training and exposure to courtly affairs.
- Assumed the Frankish throne with his brother Carloman I in 768.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became sole ruler of the Frankish kingdom after the death of Carloman I in 771.
- Expanded the Frankish kingdom through extensive military campaigns, conquering Saxony, Bavaria, and parts of Italy and Spain.
- Defeated the Lombards in Italy and assumed the title of King of the Lombards in 774.
- Crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III on December 25, 800, in Rome, marking a revival of the Roman Empire in the West.
- Implemented administrative and legal reforms, including the establishment of the missi dominici (royal envoys) to oversee local governance.
Notable Works
- Oversaw the Carolingian Renaissance, a period of intellectual and cultural revival in Europe.
- Patron of scholars and artists, including Alcuin of York, who established the Palace School at Aachen.
- Commissioned the construction of the Palatine Chapel in Aachen, a significant example of Carolingian architecture.
Legacy and Impact
Charlemagne's reign marked a pivotal period in European history, laying the foundations for the later development of France and Germany. His empire fostered a sense of cultural unity and contributed to the spread of Christianity and literacy. The 'tomba carlo magno biography' reveals his lasting impact on European political and cultural landscapes.