Charlemagne, his predecessors and successors, and the empire they built.
Your Guide's review of Becoming Charlemagne: Europe, Baghdad, and the Empires of A.D. 800 by Jeff Sypeck.
Use this quick-reference table to see the progression of Mayors of the Palace, Kings, and Emperors who ruled Carolingian territory.
An introduction to the life of Charlemagne and his impact on European history.
From
The Public Schools Historical Atlas, edited by C. Colbeck, published by Longmans, Green, and Co. 1905, a map showing the political divisions of Europe at Charlemagne's death in 814, here at the Medieval History site.
No contemporary illustrations of Charlemagne exist, but a description provided by his friend and biographer Einhard has inspired numerous portraits and statues.
Arnulf's real authority did not extend far beyond the confines of Bavaria, and he contented himself with a nominal recognition of his supremacy by the kings who sprang up in various parts of the Empire. An article from the 1911 Encyclopedia.
Helpful and amusing lecture by Dr. Lynn H. Nelson at the Online Resource Book for Medieval Studies provides a good general overview.
Another enjoyable lecture by Lynn H. Nelson covers the empire after Charlemagne's death.
23-page overview by Dr. Knox at his History of Western Civilization course includes information on France during the Carolingian age and the predecessors and successors of Charlemagne as well as the king himself.
Good general overview of the Carolingian civilization and significant individuals who contributed to its rise, by Steven Kreis at the History Guide.
Overview of the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties includes links to helpful maps, images, and primary sources. Part of the First Europe Tutorial at The University of Calgary.
Concise overview of Charles Martel's victory against the Muslims is accompanied by a useful map, at Northpark University's Medieval Chronology pages.
Collection of primary sources by Paul Halsall at Fordham University concerning Charlemagne, the rise of his predecessors, and his legal, social, and cultural legacy.
