Crossing borders around 800: Charlemagne’s Palatine Chapel at Aachen
Lex Bosman
The famous Palatine Chapel in Aachen is usually understood as a significant statement by Charlemagne and his court. Much less agreed upon what this was meant for whether the architectural concepts employed edifice were best means expressing such statement. This paper seeks to close gap between architecture of chapel on one hand diverging interpretations other. Both its constituent materials exhibit variety that at times puzzling. Whereas ground plan certainly shares similarities with San Vitale Ravenna, some incorporated point other Byzantine sources (Hagia Sophia) Ravenna. While gradually assembling an empire would be blessed imperial title, mastered methods he use pursue political goals, project himself, instrumentalize those ends. Rather than reflecting clear unchanging policy, palatine buildings commissioned several places throughout kingdom/empire reflect development—hence fascinating differences among them. Various levels meaning within not result specific concept policy but instead reflects manifold traditions tried unite bringing together vast empire. His patronage aimed location various regions territories. Such needed monuments which groups high-ranking individuals could relate, order they accept support power authority Carolingians.