Charlemagne, often hailed as one of the most influential rulers in European history, left an indelible mark on the medieval world. As King of the Franks, Lombards, and later Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, he expanded his territories and revived learning and governance across Western Europe. His legacy would go on to shape the political, religious, and cultural development of the continent for centuries. Understanding when Charlemagne died is not just about marking a historical date it’s also about examining the circumstances of his final years, the transition of power, and the end of a transformative era in European history.
Who Was Charlemagne?
Before delving into the details surrounding his death, it’s important to understand who Charlemagne was and why his life matters. Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was born around April 2, 747. He was the son of Pepin the Short and Bertrada of Laon. When Pepin died in 768, Charlemagne became co-ruler with his brother Carloman. After Carloman’s unexpected death in 771, Charlemagne assumed sole control of the Frankish kingdom.
Over the following decades, Charlemagne expanded his realm through military conquest, diplomacy, and religious influence. In 800 AD, he was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III, a moment that would lay the foundation for the Holy Roman Empire.
The Final Years of Charlemagne
Charlemagne ruled for over four decades, transforming his empire into a powerful and organized domain. By the early 9th century, however, his health began to decline. He had suffered from recurring fevers and physical weakness, likely due to advancing age and possibly chronic illnesses such as gout or arthritis. Despite these conditions, he continued to govern and even took active measures to ensure a smooth succession by crowning his only surviving legitimate son, Louis the Pious, as co-emperor in 813.
Administrative Preparations
Charlemagne was deeply invested in the longevity of his empire. His reforms in education, legal codes, and administration were designed to outlast him. He supported the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of art, culture, and learning based on classical models. These intellectual reforms were critical to maintaining stability and cohesion across his vast territories.
Personal Life and Legacy Planning
In his final years, Charlemagne focused increasingly on religion and legacy. He spent more time in his favorite palace in Aachen (modern-day Germany), overseeing religious construction and engaging in theological study. The Palace Chapel, which still stands today, reflects his commitment to faith and architectural grandeur.
When Did Charlemagne Die?
Charlemagne died on January 28, 814, in Aachen. He was approximately 66 or 67 years old at the time of his death, a relatively advanced age for someone living in the early medieval period. His death marked the end of one of the most dynamic and ambitious reigns in European history.
Contemporary sources suggest that he suffered from a high fever and pleurisy, a condition involving inflammation of the tissues surrounding the lungs. After fasting in an attempt to cure the illness, his condition deteriorated, leading to his death.
Burial and Commemoration
Charlemagne was buried in the Palatine Chapel at Aachen, which later became part of the Aachen Cathedral. His tomb became a site of great reverence and pilgrimage. In 1165, nearly three centuries after his death, Charlemagne was canonized by the antipope Paschal III, though this act was not widely recognized by the Roman Catholic Church.
The emperor’s remains have been a subject of much historical interest. Over the centuries, his burial site has been opened several times, most notably by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1165 and again in the 20th century by German archaeologists seeking to confirm the location and examine his remains.
Aftermath of Charlemagne’s Death
The passing of Charlemagne ushered in a period of significant transition. His son, Louis the Pious, succeeded him and faced the monumental task of holding together the vast Carolingian Empire. However, internal conflicts, external pressures, and the eventual division of the empire among Louis’s sons would lead to the fragmentation of Charlemagne’s legacy.
Division of the Empire
After Louis the Pious died in 840, his sons fought for control, resulting in the Treaty of Verdun in 843. This treaty divided the Carolingian Empire into three parts:
- West Francia which would evolve into modern-day France
- East Francia which became the foundation for Germany
- Middle Francia a central region that eventually fragmented
This division effectively ended the unified empire that Charlemagne had built, though his legacy endured through the political, religious, and cultural institutions he helped to establish.
Charlemagne’s Enduring Influence
Although Charlemagne died over 1,200 years ago, his impact continues to resonate today. He is remembered not only as a conqueror but also as a statesman, reformer, and patron of learning. His model of centralized authority and support for the Church set a precedent for medieval kingship across Europe.
Legacy in Modern Europe
Charlemagne’s name has been invoked in many contexts throughout European history. From the Charlemagne Prize, awarded to individuals contributing to European unity, to numerous historical studies, his life and reign remain topics of fascination. His role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the West is acknowledged by historians, theologians, and political thinkers alike.
Charlemagne died on January 28, 814, marking the end of an era that reshaped the medieval world. His reign laid the groundwork for modern European states and helped preserve classical knowledge through the Carolingian Renaissance. While his death signaled the beginning of challenges for his successors, the reforms and institutions he established endured well beyond his time. Remembering when Charlemagne died is not merely about a date it’s about understanding the conclusion of a life that dramatically altered the course of European history.