Charlemagne
Johannes Fried
A magisterial modern biography of the emperor who forged medieval Europe.
The World During Their Reign
The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.
Emperor Dezong of Tang
China
779–805
Emperor Kanmu
Japan
781–806
Pope Adrian I
Papacy
772–795
Constantine VI
Rome
780–797
Pope Leo III
Papacy
796–814
Emperor Daizong of Tang
China
768–779
Charlemagne
Holy Roman Empire
800–814
Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
Japan (Shogunate)
797–811
Emperor Xianzong of Tang
China
805–814
Nikephoros I
Rome
802–811
Emperor Kōnin
Japan
770–781
Constantine V
Rome
768–775
Carloman I
France
768–771
Irene of Athens
Rome
797–802
Leo IV the Khazar
Rome
775–780
Emperor Saga
Japan
809–814
Emperor Heizei
Japan
806–809
Pope Stephen III
Papacy
768–772
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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Further Reading
Well-regarded biographies and histories to go deeper on Charlemagne's life and times.
Two Lives of Charlemagne
Einhard & Notker the Stammerer
Contemporary accounts by Einhard and Notker, the nearest thing to a primary-source portrait.
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