Question

Why did Charlemagne agree to be crowned emperor in Rome on Christmas Day, 800 C.E.? Was that an astute political move on his part or just an ornamental title?

Answer 1

• Perhaps the majority of historians subscribe to the general view that the event of 800 must be attributed to Charlemagne himself. This school of thought insists that Charlemagne had good reason to arrange his own coronation and that he had the power to enact what he willed.
• Some historians, whose views are represented by the selection from a history of the early medieval period, argue that Charlemagne arranged for his own coronation simply to enhance his reputation as a conqueror. These historians, seemingly convinced that the actions of all political leaders are inspired chiefly by a Machiavellian urge to gain power, believe that Charlemagne's amazing successes as a conqueror pointed to a degree of greatness that might best be expressed through the adoption of a title which in a bygone age had signified great power: emperor or Augustus. Thus the imperial title was taken by Charlemagne merely to adorn himself and to impress his semi-barbarian followers.