Charlemagne's Role As A Christian Warrior

The document reinforces Charlemagne’s powerful, effective, respected status as a Christian warrior by testifying and listing the several victories Charlemagne won. For example, the document includes accounts of his efficient conquest and defeat of the Bretons, the Barbarians, the Welatabians, the Sorabians, the Abodriti, the Bohemians, and his victory in the Saxon War, Bohemian and Linonian wars, and Danes. The multiple forces that tried to rebel, to reject, or to uprise against Charles’ dominion were subdued into obedience/submission using hostages and embassies. For example, in Charles’ defeat of Duke Tassilo in the Bavarian war, Tassilo was forced to surrender himself to Charles, “give him the hostages he demanded, [including his own son Theodo], and promised by oath not to give ear to anyone who should [rebel against Charles’ allegiance].” Additionally, the document even includes relics of people who willingly surrendered to Charlemagne’s rule, such as some barbarous German tribes between the Rhine and the Vistula. Ultimately, Charlemagne's tenacious conquests largely expanded the Frank kingdom. Moreover, Charlemagne’s ennobled status as a Christian warrior was enhanced when the document recalled his friendly relations with several king and nations, stating that Charles’ altruism caused the kings of the Scots to refer to him as “lord.” …show more content…
For example, the document states that though the Greeks thought that Charlemagne was suspicious and slightly untrustworthy, they sought an alliance with him regardless of their suspicions because they wanted to “cause no offense.” In other words, they made Charles their friend before he could make them his enemy. Overall, the main scope and purpose of engaging in international relationships were to protect one’s