The Life of Charlemagne (Einhard)

Einhard (775 - 840)
Translated by Samuel Epes Turner (1856 - 1896)

Einhard was employed by Charlemagne as a court historian. At the request of Charlemagne's son and successor Louis the Pious, he wrote a biography of Charlemagne, the Vita Karoli Magni or Life of Charlemagne (c. 817–830), which provides much direct information about Charlemagne's life and character. In composing this he made full use of the Frankish Royal annals. Einhard's literary model was the classical work of the Roman historian Suetonius, the Lives of the Caesars. (summary adapted from Wikipedia by K. Merline)

Genre(s): Biography & Autobiography, Middle Ages/Middle History

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 Preface, 1-Merovingian Family, 2-Charlemagne's Ancestors, 3-Charlemagne's Accession, 4-Plan of This Work, 5-Aquitanian War Sibella Denton
00:12:06
Play 02 6-Lombard War, 7-Saxon War I, 8-Saxon War II, 9-Spanish Expedition, 10-Submission of the Bretons and Beneventans, 11-Tassilo and the Bavarian Campaign, 12-Slavic War, 13-War with the Huns Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
00:17:18
Play 03 14-Danish War, 15-Extent of Charlemagne's Conquests, 16-Foreign Relations, 17-Public Works, 18-Private Life I, 19-Private Life II, 20-Conspiracies against Charlemagne, 21-Charlemagne's Treatment of Foreigners David Barnes
00:17:13
Play 04 22-Personal Appearance, 23-Dress, 24-Habits, 25-Studies, 26-Piety, 27-Generosity, 28- Charlemagne Crowned Emperor, 29-Reforms Lizzie Driver
00:13:52
Play 05 30-Coronation of Louis/Charlemagne's Death, 31-Burial, 32-Omens of Death, 33-Will ontheroad
00:13:47