Les cendres de Charlemagne

Charlemagne's legacy continues to shape historical research, particularly regarding his canonization and the political symbolism surrounding his remains. The study highlights that Charlemagne's reign is uniquely well-documented compared to other medieval periods, with no significant new sources likely to emerge. However, it suggests revisiting some aspects of his rule from fresh perspectives due to its complexity. Key historical events, such as Frederick I Barbarossa's canonization efforts and Napoleon's appropriation of Charlemagne's legacy for political legitimacy, are central to this exploration. The research also notes the annual celebrations in Aachen Cathedral, marking significant dates like the Translatio Karoli imperatoris (27th July) and the anniversary of his death (28th January).

Grosse, R. (2018). Les cendres de Charlemagne. Charlemagne : Les Temps, Les Espaces, Les Hommes, 11–15. https://doi.org/10.1484/m.hama-eb.5.114702