The Story of Charlemagne (a special episode for Ben)

Episode 189: The Story of Charlemagne (a special episode for Ben) 

Travel back more than 1,200 years to the Middle Ages and meet one of the most powerful rulers in European history—Charlemagne!

In Episode 189 of Real Cool History for Kids, we are telling this incredible story for Ben. Charlemagne, whose name means “Charles the Great,” became king of the Franks and eventually ruled an enormous empire that stretched across much of western and central Europe.

But Charlemagne’s story is about much more than battles and kingdoms. Kids will discover his surprising love of swimming, his efforts to continue learning as an adult, and his determination to encourage schools, scholars, and the careful copying of books. We will also travel to Rome on Christmas Day in the year 800, when Pope Leo III placed a crown on Charlemagne’s head and proclaimed him emperor.

We will also look honestly at the difficult parts of Charlemagne’s reign, including his long wars against the Saxons and his attempts to force conquered people to accept Christianity.

Charlemagne’s complicated story gives us an important opportunity to practice looking carefully at history—recognizing accomplishments, learning from mistakes, and remembering that historical figures were real people who made real choices.