Charlemagne's Mediterranean Empire

For centuries following Charlemagne’s death in 814, numerous prose and poetic narratives were created regarding the man and his reign. Stories were told both in Latin and in various vernaculars. Many of these were written down and have survived in one or another form. ¹ Among these stories, a substantial number dealt with Charlemagne’s active participation in the politics and culture of the Mediterranean. ² He was said to have conquered Spain. ³ There were claims that he ruled the Holy Land or maintained a protectorate over it. ⁴ He is seen to have exercised some sort of dominance in regard to the Byzantine emperor. ⁵ In addition, Charlemagne is described as having undertaken pilgrimages throughout the Mediterranean. ⁶ Finally, he is depicted as a crusader or, at least, the prototype of the proper crusader.