What Is Charlemagne's Legacy

When Charlemagne, otherwise known as Charles the Great, took the throne in 768 CE, he already had a legacy to live up to as the successor of his father, Pepin the Short 1. His father was the first Carolingian king of Franks who ruled over regions such as Neustria, Burgundy and Provence. By the end of his reign, he was responsible for expanding the kingdom significantly. He also defended Rome from the Lombards and strengthened the Frankish church 3 .When his father died, Charlemagne would share the Frankish empire with his brother Carloman I. It was according to Salic law that the realm would be divided between the two because the land was their inheritance but both would rule as king 2. However, the decree placed a strain on their relationship.

As described by Einhard in his account of Charlemagne’s life, Charlemagne seemed to be the physical and mental embodiment of an ideal ruler. Most of his habits came out of being a proud citizen of the Frankish kingdom – he participated in the Frankish exercises of riding and hunting and he dressed as a Frank 3. He acknowledged his strengths in how to govern and was passionate in strengthening his weaknesses that he thought were necessary to rule. In so doing, he became an extensive reader, appreciator of liberal arts, and he studied foreign languages in order to communicate with foreign leaders and countries 3. He also took the time to learn to write and took pleasure in learning the art in writing letters. He would receive suitors, officers and servants in casual times of the

Some were permanent like abandoning gold and replacing it with silver for currency, which changed trading forever because it made the value exchange easier. The Carolingians encouraged long-distance trading which made the kingdom flourish. Charlemagne’s father ordered market days in the cathedral towns and with falling in line behind his father, Charlemagne forbade selling goods after dark or anywhere other than public locations to keep track of the taxes7. Later during Charlemagne’s rule, one of his counts suggested hosting fairs in order to draw merchants in to sell their goods and turn a huge profit