Charlemagne, <i>pater Europae</i> (<i>c.</i> 750–<i>c.</i> 820)
James T. Palmer
The world grew old. Year 6000 approached. And yet the last decades of eighth and beginning ninth century have often been considered a Golden Age. increased competition for power in days Merovingian kingdoms eventually gave rise to new political order under Pippinids (later Carolingians) which, even if prone posturing great acts self-legitimisation, believed centrality sacred. More plainly than before – or at least while activity West was conducted with consciousness apocalyptic tradition as part mix ideas which inspired, shaped drove people onwards. This possible no small because actions Charlemagne (r. 768–814) one most famous figures early medieval history ‘Father Europe’ (pater Europae) his own lifetime. He forged widest sense intellectual hegemony since Roman Empire, engaging conquest, mission, reform cultural production. on Christmas Day 800, did not breathe its 6,000th year, he crowned emperor Rome, recreating empire that endure until discessio predicted by Paul reinterpreted Pseudo-Methodius.
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