Coronation of Charlemagne,Christmas Day, 800

Argument with the Byzantines

The Carolingian Dynasty

Charlemagne

Charlemagne and Pope Leo

Pepin the Short and Papal Endorsement

The Donation of Constantine

Charlemagne retains independent secular authority

The Coronation of Charlemagne, Christmas Day, 800

1. In 800, Charlemagne was already King of the Franks and the Lombards. What was the significance of him being crowned ‘Emperor of the Romans’?

2. The chronicler Einhard suggests that Charlemagne was surprised by the coronation and it almost occurred against his will. What reasons are there to suggest this was not the case?

3. What might Pope Leo’s objectives have been in crowning Charlemagne emperor?