Coronation of Charlemagne. We are aware of many curiosities about Charlemagne, useful for reconstructing his personality and character
We are aware of numerous curiosities about Charlemagne , one of the greatest rulers of the Middle Ages.
Some of them may seem trivial, but personally I have always been convinced that nothing really is when it refers to a historical figure; every anecdote, even the smallest, helps to reconstruct its personality and action.
Here is a series of curiosities about Charlemagne that I found reading here and there in historical books and magazines:
- had the shrill voice, which not only contrasted enormously with his build ( see also https://www.pilloledistoria.it/10562/medioevo/il-fisico-super-di-carlo-magno) but, according to the sources, it even made an impression
- sufferer of gout, refused to go on a diet, aggravating his health and hastening his death (writes Eginardo )
- it is said that he was a man affable, ironic and capable of playing jokes
- he loved to dress in a simple and practical way. He used to scold those who he spent too much to buy clothes in precious silks of oriental origin
- for the Franks to have concubines was the norm and Charlemagne was no exception. Being a Christian did not prevent him from having adulterous relationships . Apparently he had a proper harem, women ready to satisfy every carnal desire of him ( Photo from :saturniatellus.com).