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Illustrated World History Europe |
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 Charlemagne's New Empire From the historical series by Adolf Closs, Germany. On the 25th of December in the year 800 occurred an event which marks the beginning of a new order of things, the attempt to organize another world-machine which should regulate the affairs of all nations and keep all in harmony, as the Roman organization had kept the ancient world. Two powers joint in this celebrated effort at constructive government, the Pope of Rome and the great king of the Germans, Karl der Grosse, also known as Charlemagne. This event also marks another point, that of breaking God's order of things - the separation of Church and State. By meddling in political affairs, the papacy ventured on grounds condemned by all of God's prophets and Jesus Christ Himself when he said, `My kingdom is not of this world.' The papacy announced in effect, `We are a worldly kingdom - Our allegiance is with the devil.' Historians have said this, Charlemagne built up a kingdom which covered most of modern France and Germany. He then defeated the Lombards, who had been threatening to conquer Rome and drive out the Pope. Thus Charlemagne saved the papacy from destruction; and Pope Leo III. in return assumed the responsibility of crowning Charlemagne as Emperor of western Europe. This meant that Charlemagne undertook the duty of keeping (for the papcy) the whole world in order, as the Roman rulers had done. Indeed it is sad but he called his realm the "Holy Roman Empire" and thought of himself as carrying on the ancient empire with the added authority of religious sanctions - forbidden by God's Word. - The ceremony took place during the Weihnachtstage at Rome. Leo III. suddenly advanced to Charlemagne who knelt before him in religious reverence when God's Word says, to revere only God in heaven, whereupon the Pope placed a crown upon his brow and Karl arose as Kaiser Karl der Grosse - great in the sight of man, but not so great in the sight of our Creator God in Heaven. |
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Menu Forward Back |  The Splendor of Charlemagne Painted by Alexander Zick. During this kings reign the Frankish experienced the broadest power uncomparable to any other period. With the conquest of the province of Aquitaine they became practically master of all of France. |
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 The Signature of Charlemagne It reads - "Signum - Caroli Glorisiosissimi Regis". |
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 Roland at Roncesvalles Painted by Louis Gardette, France. The one decisive failure of Charlemagne's reign was his attempt to extend his sovereignty over the Muslims in Spain. Of this we know only that after a brief campaign Charlemagne's army marched back from Spain, and that during the retreat the rearguard, commanded by Count Roland, was destroyed amidst the Pyrenees Mountains. Apparently it was not the Muslims who did this but the locals of the mountains, the Basques to assert their independence once more. - The picture shows the legend surrounding this event blaming it on the Muslims. |
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 France and Germany Begin Warring Charles the Bold, of France, Interrupted at His Wedding Feast by a Threat from His Brother Ludwig, the German. Painted by Franz Roeber, Germany. Under the successors of Charlemagne the Frankish empire was divided into three parts, from which sprang eventually the kingdoms of France, Germany and Italy. The separation first became established in 843 by the treaty of Verdun (4.6 east & 49.1 north), by which the three grandsons of Charlemagne shared his empire. Of these three brothers the youngest, who became the French king Charles the Bold, was their father's favorit, so the father tried to secure for Charles the kingship of ancient Gaul, the wealthiest and most civilized part of the empire. Charles, however, had to hold his domain by force against his brothers. At first Charles and Ludwig combined against the older brother. When Ludwig decided Charles had the better deal, Ludwig and the older brother send a messenger demanding a large portion of French domain. Thus future struggles were unavoidable. |
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Menu Forward Back |  The Northmen Enter France Rollo, the Ganger, besieges Paris. After a drawing by Alphonse de Neuville (1836-1885). |
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