

525. Charlemagne: Emperor of the West (Part 3)
165 snips Dec 25, 2024
Charlemagne's coronation on Christmas Day 800 AD marked a pivotal return of emperors to the West. The episode dives into the political turmoil following Pope Hadrian's death and Charlemagne's strategic maneuvering amid power struggles. Notably, it contrasts his rise with Empress Irene's radical rule in Constantinople. The discussion also covers Charlemagne's enduring legacy, his physical portrayal by biographer Einhard, and the fragmentation of power that followed his reign, ultimately shaping the future of the Franks.
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Episode notes
Christmas Coronation
- Charlemagne's coronation occurred on Christmas Day, 800 AD.
- Pope Leo III crowned him emperor, marking the return of a Western Roman Emperor after centuries.
Power Dynamics
- Charlemagne wasn't the sole power player; Pope Leo III and the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople also held influence.
- The Pope's alliance shifted from Constantinople to the Franks, upsetting the Byzantines.
Irene's Usurpation
- In 797, Irene blinded her son, Constantine VI, to usurp power, becoming the sole reigning Empress in Roman history.
- Her rule as a woman wasn't acknowledged in the West, creating an opportunity for Charlemagne.