In the typical Captivating History style, the author sets the scene politically for the reader. As Charles/Charlemagne was coming onto the scene, the kings of Francia and Lomarady were spending much of their time tamping down insurrections. Popes of the time were also politically active and interfered with individual state's internal affairs.
Charlemagne is a difficult man to categorize because he was all over the map with his accomplishments and efforts. Although not the first ruler of the Carolingian Dynasty (he was the third), he was a strong ruler and conqueror who was often called the Father of Europe. He ruled for 47 years and spent much of that time conquering rebelling tribes and regions. However, he also worked to stabilize the currency, encouraged reading, and competent administration.
He also changed the relationship between kings and the Catholic Church. He became a protector of the Catholic pope. For this, he was eventually crowned as Holy Roman Emperor. What I liked about this book was the way Captivating History helped create a living-and-breathing Charlemagne for the reader.
Charlemagne is a difficult man to categorize because he was all over the map with his accomplishments and efforts. Although not the first ruler of the Carolingian Dynasty (he was the third), he was a strong ruler and conqueror who was often called the Father of Europe. He ruled for 47 years and spent much of that time conquering rebelling tribes and regions. However, he also worked to stabilize the currency, encouraged reading, and competent administration.
He also changed the relationship between kings and the Catholic Church. He became a protector of the Catholic pope. For this, he was eventually crowned as Holy Roman Emperor. What I liked about this book was the way Captivating History helped create a living-and-breathing Charlemagne for the reader.
