Charlemagne, the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire
On Christmas night in the 19th century, Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Leone III in St. Peter's, Rome. "Roman" because it wants to restore the greatness of the ancient Roman's empire (even if geographically it has nothing to do with Rom, it is rather Central European, with Aachen as capital, and Charlemagne is of Franco-German lineage) while "Sacred" distinguishing it from the old empire, because it recognizes the Christian religion and assumes its defense by becoming a symbol and bulwark of the Papacy.
Charlemagne, however, also wants to have a "spiritual" power similar to that of the Eastern Roman Empire (so-called caesaropapism). He divides the territory into counties and marches, from which derive the figures of the counts and marquises; to control them he created the missi dominici, who were accountable only to the emperor, a sort of wandering tax collectors/judges, composed of a bishop and a nobleman, so as to redeem any controversy, both in the religious and "secular" fields. Laws were issued and enforced through the capitulars.
As far as education is concerned, Charlemagne loves to surround himself with philosophers and men of letters, giving impetus to a sort of cultural renaissance; rebirth that is also reflected in trade and markets, dictated by the greater security provided by the territory now controlled and united under a single emperor.
Alongside the marquises and counts, as equally representative figures of ecclesiastical interests, there are the bishops. Charlemagne is the son of Pepin the Short, who assumed importance in the struggle for power over the French region, now fragmented by the Germanic tradition of dividing the territory - on the death of the sovereign - among the sons. If this does not happen on Charles' death it is because he is survived by only one son, Ludovico il Pio; but on his death the division of the empire between his 3 sons is inevitable, sanctioned by the Treaty of Verdun of 843: Germany to Louis the German, Italy and Provence to Lothair, France to Charles the Bald.
Charlemagne realized a "modern" dream: a united Europe. Big, robust, lively eyes, remarkable nose, beautiful gray hair, happy and friendly face. His habits were very simple. He spoked two languages, Latin and German and understand Greek. He liked to hunts, rides horses and was a very strong swimmer. Good eater, he did not tolerate drunkenness. Very devoted. Astronomy enthusiast. Hospitable to pilgrims and generous. He likes listening to music. Charming minstrels and a few jesters with his viola pass by his court. During the long evenings, the chaplain reads passages from St. Augustine's "City of God".
