524. Charlemagne: Pagan Killer (Part 2)

**Podcast Summary: "The Rest Is History" Episode 524 – Charlemagne: Pagan Killer (Part 2)

Podcast Information:

Title: The Rest Is History
Hosts: Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland
Episode: 524. Charlemagne: Pagan Killer (Part 2)
Release Date: December 23, 2024
Description: Delving deeper into the life and conquests of Charlemagne, exploring his military campaigns, Christianization efforts, and lasting impact on Europe.

Introduction

In the second part of their in-depth exploration of Charlemagne, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland continue to unravel the complexities of the great Frankish emperor's rule. This episode navigates through Charlemagne's military campaigns against the Saxons and Lombards, his methods of forced Christianization, and the intellectual revival he fostered within his empire.

The Political Landscape Post-Roman Empire

Timestamp [03:08] Dominic Sandbrook sets the stage by contextualizing Charlemagne's rise amidst the remnants of the Roman Empire. Charlemagne, ruling from Gaul (modern-day France) and extending his influence eastwards, emerges as a dominant figure in Europe, overshadowing previous warlords with his resourceful and strategic prowess.

Charlemagne's Rise to Power

Timestamp [03:44] Tom Holland outlines Charlemagne's lineage, highlighting his father Pepin and grandfather Charles Martel's roles in establishing the Carolingian dynasty. Charlemagne inherits a formidable military machine, positioning him as a preeminent leader capable of unprecedented expansion.

Campaigns Against the Saxons

Timestamp [04:18] Charlemagne's relentless campaigns against the Saxons in eastern Gaul are dissected. Starting in 772, these conflicts extend over decades as Charlemagne employs both military might and forced baptism to subdue the pagan Saxons. Dominic remarks, "Charlemagne's policy of outright conquest... is a very Roman approach," emphasizing the emperor's ruthless efficiency reminiscent of Roman generals.

Notable Quote:

"Charles devastated the lands of the Saxons with fire and sword and left them emptied of people." – Chronicler [02:55]

Confrontation with the Lombards

Timestamp [11:47] The discussion shifts to Charlemagne's dealings with the Lombards in Italy. Tom Holland explains the strained relations stemming from personal and political conflicts, particularly Charlemagne's broken marriage with Desiderius's daughter. This animosity culminates in Charlemagne's decisive military action, leading to the fall of the Lombard kingdom and his acquisition of the title "King of the Franks and Lombards."

Charlemagne's Brutal Methods and Christianization

Timestamp [15:18] Charlemagne's approach to Christianization is scrutinized. Employing extreme measures, he enforces baptism through violence, epitomized by the 782 massacre where 4,500 Saxon prisoners were beheaded in a single day. Tom Holland draws parallels to biblical examples, suggesting Charlemagne's actions were influenced by Old Testament narratives.

Notable Quote:

"As the Apostle Paul said when he wrote to his followers among the Galatians, I have fed you not with meat, but with milk." – Alcuin [32:14]

Alcuin's Critique and the Carolingian Renaissance

Timestamp [35:46] Alcuin, a prominent scholar and advisor to Charlemagne, expresses profound disapproval of the emperor's harsh tactics. Advocating for a gentler approach to conversion, Alcuin emphasizes education over coercion, arguing that forced baptisms will ultimately lead to apostasy.

Tom Holland highlights the intellectual revival under Charlemagne, known as the Carolingian Renaissance. Alcuin spearheads educational reforms, standardizing Latin, producing the first compiled Bibles, and introducing punctuation marks that evolve into the modern question mark. This renaissance fosters a unified Christian culture across Charlemagne's vast empire.

Notable Quote:

"The Carolingians don't think that what they're doing is a Renaissance, because they think that what they're doing is simply carrying on traditions that reach back to the Christian Roman Empire, but that things need to be corrected." – Tom Holland [41:30]

The Legacy of Charlemagne

Timestamp [52:00] The hosts discuss the enduring legacy of Charlemagne, dubbing him the "Father of Europe." Through his relentless campaigns and educational reforms, Charlemagne lays the foundational structures of medieval Europe, integrating disparate tribes and fostering a unified Christian identity that persists long after his reign.

Tom Holland reflects on the transformative impact of Charlemagne's policies, noting how they permeate everyday life, from legal agreements to agricultural practices, embedding Christianity deeply into European culture.

Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland tease the upcoming final installment, which will explore Charlemagne's imperial coronation in Rome on Christmas Day, 800 AD—a pivotal moment symbolizing the fusion of Roman, Christian, and Frankish traditions.

Final Quote:

"So please join us for that. And on that bombshell, goodbye." – Dominic Sandbrook [54:23]

Notable Quotes with Attribution

Dominic Sandbrook [02:14]:

"Charles the Prince, girded boldly with gleaming arms, tamed this people through numerous blows and a thousand triumphs."
Tom Holland [06:10]:

"He's not radically different, it's just that he is more impressive and he has more resources to draw on."
Tom Holland [11:03]:

"He writes to Charlemagne, look, I am willing to hold off war, and I'm willing to pay you a frankly enormous amount of money if you will hand these boys over to me."
Tom Holland [28:43]:

"So the Carolingian Renaissance. The Carolingians don't think that what they're doing is a Renaissance, because they think that what they're doing is simply carrying on traditions that reach back to the Christian Roman Empire, but that things need to be corrected."
Tom Holland [42:35]:

"Program among his own people and himself, which is why he had got Alcuin. You know, he wanted a great teacher by his side."

Key Insights and Discussions

Charlemagne's Military Strategy: Emulating Roman tactics, Charlemagne employed overwhelming force to subdue rebellious tribes, integrating brutal warfare with religious conversion.
Forced Christianization: The episode critically examines the ethical implications of Charlemagne's methods, juxtaposing his faith-driven motives against the atrocities committed during his conquests.
Alcuin's Influence: Highlighting the tension between power and piety, Alcuin serves as a moral compass, advocating for educational and peaceful methods of conversion, thereby influencing the intellectual landscape of the empire.
Carolingian Renaissance: An era of cultural revival spearheaded by Charlemagne and Alcuin, focusing on educational reforms, standardization of Latin, and the preservation of classical texts, which significantly shaped medieval European society.
Legacy and Transformation: Charlemagne's efforts in unifying and Christianizing Europe laid the groundwork for the continent's future political and cultural development, earning him the title "Father of Europe."

Conclusion

Episode 524 of The Rest Is History provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Charlemagne's reign, dissecting his military conquests, his complex relationship with Christianity, and his lasting impact on European history. Through insightful discussions and poignant quotes, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland offer listeners a nuanced understanding of one of Europe's most influential figures.

For those intrigued by this episode, stay tuned for Part 3 released on Christmas Day, which promises to delve into Charlemagne's imperial coronation and its historical significance.