Podcast Summary: The Rest Is History — Episode 525. Charlemagne: Emperor of the West (Part 3)

Date Released: December 25, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

In the final installment of the Charlemagne trilogy, Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland delve deep into the monumental event of Charlemagne's coronation as Emperor of the Romans on Christmas Day, 800 AD. This episode not only explores the immediate circumstances surrounding the coronation but also examines the broader geopolitical shifts, Charlemagne's personal legacy, and the eventual fragmentation of his empire.

The Imperial Coronation of Charlemagne

Dominic Sandbrook opens the discussion by highlighting the dramatic scene of Charlemagne being crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III amidst festive celebrations in Rome:

"[00:52] Dominic Sandbrook: ...all the Roman people acclaimed him in this To Charles Augustus, the God crowned great and peace loving Emperor of the Romans, life and victory."

This coronation marked the first time an emperor was crowned in the West since the fall of the Western Roman Empire over three centuries prior, signaling the revival of imperial authority.

Was Charlemagne Taken by Surprise?

The episode questions whether Charlemagne was genuinely surprised by the Pope's actions or if it was a meticulously planned political maneuver. Alcuin argues that the coronation was far from unexpected:

"[05:44] Alcuin: ...Pope Leo, who knows that he has a problem here, unsurprisingly, is very, very keen to get on the right side of Charlemagne."

Contrary to Einhard's account suggesting Charlemagne's astonishment, the hosts posit that Charlemagne had orchestrated events to secure his imperial status.

Political Dynamics and Alliances

Dominic and Alcuin delve into the intricate relationships between Pope Leo III, the Byzantine Empire, and Charlemagne:

Pope Leo III's Strategic Positioning

After the death of Pope Hadrian in 795, Alcuin explains how Leo III, coming from a humble background, sought to consolidate his power by aligning closely with Charlemagne:

"[08:23] Alcuin: ...Leo, who knows that he has a problem here, unsurprisingly, is very, very keen to get on the right side of Charlemagne..."

Leo’s decision not to inform Constantinople about his papacy shifted the traditional alliance from the Byzantine Emperor to Charlemagne, fostering tension with Constantinople.

Relations with Constantinople

The Byzantine Empire, under Emperor Constantine VI and Empress Irene, perceived Charlemagne’s rise with a mixture of respect and resentment. Alcuin notes:

"[10:54] Alcuin: ...the Byzantine emperor Constantine VI and had been betrothed to one of Charlemagne's daughters...But when Charlemagne cancels the engagement, it severely offends Byzantine pride."

This strained relationship set the stage for Charlemagne to position himself as the foremost Christian ruler in the West.

Charlemagne's Rise to the Imperial Throne

Charlemagne's strategic journey to Rome involved significant stops in key Frankish cities, showcasing his authority and aligning himself with Roman and Christian traditions.

Alcuin describes Charlemagne's visit to Rome:

"[20:25] Dominic Sandbrook: ...this is just a month to go before Christmas Day, and the most pressing issue...is what to do about the charges that have been leveled against Leo."

Charlemagne facilitated Leo's exoneration by supporting legal arguments that papal accusations couldn’t hold, thereby solidifying their alliance.

The Coronation Ritual

The coronation was carefully crafted to respect Byzantine sensitivities:

"[26:17] Alcuin: ...the Byzantine emperor in Constantinople will be the Emperor of the Romans. Charlemagne is just emperor."

This nuanced title avoided direct competition with Constantinople, allowing Charlemagne to assert his imperial status without igniting conflict.

Charlemagne's Physical Description and Legacy

Dominic Sandbrook recounts Einhard's vivid portrayal of Charlemagne:

"[29:17] Dominic Sandbrook: ...Emperor was strong and well built...His neck was short and rather thick...extremely strong swimmer..."

While some details may be embellished or influenced by Roman biographical traditions, they paint a picture of a formidable and charismatic ruler.

The Aachen Palace

Alcuin explores the architectural marvel of Charlemagne’s palace at Aachen:

"[32:23] Alcuin: ...the palace at Aachen and remains continuously in residence there during the last years of his life...often a hundred men or more would be in the water together."

This palace symbolized the fusion of Roman grandeur with Frankish might, serving as a hub for administration, culture, and military planning.

The Succession and Fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire

Upon Charlemagne’s death in 814, his son Louis the Pious inherited the empire intact. However, the tradition of dividing the realm among heirs set the stage for fragmentation.

Alcuin explains:

"[45:26] Alcuin: ...Frankish kings...cannot help themselves from dividing their kingdoms up between their sons and heirs."

The Treaty of Verdun

In 843, Louis’s three sons convened at Verdun, resulting in the permanent division of the empire:

• Charles received West Francia (future France)
• Louis II took East Francia (future Germany)
• Lothair inherited a central region stretching from the Low Countries to Italy

This division weakened the unified power of the empire, making it susceptible to external threats.

External Threats and the Decline of the Empire

The fragmented Carolingian Empire faced relentless invasions from external forces, further eroding its stability.

Arab and Viking Raids

Alcuin details the rising menace of Arab and Viking incursions:

"[53:30] Alcuin: ...Saracen pirates...the shrine of St Cuthbert on the island of Lindisfarne...Viking raids on Saxony."

These invasions not only plundered the empire’s resources but also exposed the vulnerabilities of its divided territories.

The Rise of Normandy

In 911, King Charles the Simple ceded land to Viking leader Rollo, founding Normandy:

"[53:49] Dominic Sandbrook: ...the land of the Northmen, Normandy."

This strategic concession provided the Vikings with a foothold in Frankish territories, further destabilizing the region.

The Rise of Otto the Great and the Holy Roman Empire

The ultimate legacy of Charlemagne's empire lies in its transformation into the Holy Roman Empire under Otto the Great.

Consolidation under East Francia

With the extinction of the Carolingian line in both West and Central Francia, East Francia became the cradle for future imperial authority:

"[57:41] Alcuin: This witnesses the biggest irony of all, because the lands in East Francia...he wants to do right by his kingdom."

Otto the Great’s military prowess and strategic alliances culminated in his coronation as Emperor in 962, reestablishing imperial continuity distinct from the fragmented Carolingian legacy.

The Legacy of the Franks

While the Frankish identity dissolved over time, their influence persisted through cultural and political developments.

Cultural Integration and Roman Legacy

Alcuin emphasizes the enduring Roman influence overshadowing Frankish identity:

"[62:32] Alcuin: ...the potency of that Roman inheritance tends to blot out what was Frankish about them."

This Romanitas facilitated the rise of a unified Christian Europe, laying the groundwork for future institutions like the European Union.

The Persistent Name “Franks”

Interestingly, the term “Franks” continued to resonate beyond Europe:

"[62:48] Dominic Sandbrook: ...people in Baghdad call these people Franks. And that's a word that then ripples out..."

Thus, the Frankish legacy endures linguistically and culturally, even as the people themselves faded from historical prominence.

Conclusion and Reflections on Charlemagne’s Legacy

The episode concludes by reflecting on Charlemagne’s dual legacy: his successful establishment of an imperial identity in the West and the subsequent fragmentation of his empire due to internal divisions and external pressures. While the Frankish Empire did not endure as a unified entity, its ideological and cultural foundations paved the way for the emergence of medieval Christendom and the Holy Roman Empire.

Notable Quotes:

• "[45:26] Dominic Sandbrook: Spoiler alert. It doesn't." — Highlighting the inevitable decline of the Frankish Empire post-Charlemagne.

• "[23:17] Dominic Sandbrook: I mean, pretty obvious." — Arguing against the notion that Charlemagne was surprised by his coronation.

• "[25:07] Dominic Sandbrook: Yeah. Which is an old Roman trick in itself..." — Comparing Charlemagne’s modest acceptance of imperial titles to Augustus’s methods.

• "[62:48] Dominic Sandbrook: ...people in Baghdad call these people Franks. And that's a word that then ripples out..." — Discussing the enduring linguistic legacy of the Franks.

Final Thoughts

Episode 525 of The Rest Is History masterfully encapsulates the rise and fall of Charlemagne’s empire, underscoring the complexities of medieval politics, the interplay of personal ambition and religious authority, and the lasting imprint of Roman legacy on European identity. For those new to this episode, it offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of one of history’s most pivotal figures and the empire he sought to revive.