Speciale #SuperQuark - #CarloMagno, la corona e la spada

Valerio Manisi・2 minutes read

Charlemagne's remains are housed in a large urn in the cathedral of Aachen, showcasing scenes from his reign, along with original items like his throne made of Jerusalem marbles. Charlemagne's military campaigns and alliances, like the strategic marriage with a Lombard princess, expanded his territories and set the stage for further European conquests.

Insights

Charlemagne's remains are housed in a large urn in the cathedral of Aachen, showcasing him flanked by Pope Leo III and the Bishop of Remix, along with 16 kings, symbolizing his central role in the empire he created.
Charlemagne's throne, with six steps, symbolized the power of his unified territories, becoming the highest point in medieval Europe.
Lombard daily life is revealed through objects found in tombs, such as bone combs, brooches, necklaces, and amulets, showcasing their superstitions and care for appearance.
Charlemagne's commitment to education was unparalleled, with his monogram signature validating important documents and promoting literacy, highlighting his efforts to bridge cultural divides in his empire.

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Who was Charlemagne?
Charlemagne was a medieval Frankish emperor.

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Summary

00:00

Charlemagne's Legacy and Lombard Culture

Charlemagne's remains are housed in a large urn in the cathedral of Aachen, created around 1200, depicting him at the center flanked by Pope Leo III and the Bishop of Remix, with 16 kings on the sides.
The urn also features scenes from the end of Charlemagne's reign, symbolizing the empire he created, with the reconstruction of his life to be showcased.
The original palatine chapel from Charlemagne's time in Aachen is depicted, showcasing the original columns and the environment where he worked on his empire.
The cathedral in Aachen houses original items from Charlemagne's time, including wrought iron balustrades and his throne made of marbles from Jerusalem.
Charlemagne's throne, with six steps, was the highest point in medieval Europe, symbolizing the power of his unified territories.
Charlemagne faced enemies like the Lombards, who had settled in Lombardy and extended their rule over Italy, with their capital in Pavia.
The Lombards were skilled fighters, as evidenced by their weapons like the scramasax and spears, and their care for horses, shown by burying them with their masters.
Lombard daily life is revealed through objects found in tombs, such as bone combs, brooches, necklaces, and amulets, showcasing their superstitions and care for appearance.
A unique Lombard rite involved sewing finely decorated gold crosses onto shrouds placed on the deceased's face in tombs, along with gold discs and coins.
The Lombards, despite their barbarian origins, left behind relics and descendants, with their history reconstructed through documents, archaeological finds, and studies on their lifestyle and warfare skills.

22:14

Lombard Temple: History, Marriage, and Charlemagne's Rule

Money was used as jewels, amulets, or symbols of status in Italy before the arrival of golds.
The Lombard temple, once the chapel of the court of the gastaldo of cividale del friuli, showcases a Mediterranean Byzantine style.
Workers from the East constructed the Lombard temple, which has endured centuries of history and earthquakes, leaving only six of its original 12 statues.
The Lombards were considered a thorn in the side of Charlemagne, leading to a strategic alliance through marriage between Charlemagne and the Lombard king's daughter.
The marriage between Charlemagne and the Lombard king's daughter was a political maneuver to keep the Lombards at bay.
Ermengarde, the Lombard king's daughter, undergoes a body inspection before her marriage to Charlemagne, causing distress.
Ermengarde ultimately chooses to become a nun rather than marry Charlemagne, leading to her separation from her son and entry into a convent.
Charlemagne's military techniques in the early Middle Ages lacked the sophistication of Roman legions but relied on strength and personal courage.
Charlemagne appoints trusted friends as counts of various territories to administer in his name, establishing a strong and united Frankish kingdom.
Charlemagne delegates power to his counts, known as the paladins of France in legend, to collect tributes, control bishops, and enlist troops for war.

47:46

Poisoning, Warfare, and Victory in Charlemagne's Reign

Poisoning of Charlemagne's brother is a topic of discussion, with no clear evidence of poisoning in historical records.
Arsenic was a commonly used poison due to its tasteless and soluble nature, making it ideal for poisoning through food or drink.
Italian women were known for their expertise in preparing poisons, with arsenic being a preferred choice due to its undetectable nature.
Poisoning has been prevalent throughout history, with examples ranging from ancient figures like Socrates to more recent cases like Ingrid Bergman.
Various poisons have been identified, including cyanide and toxins used in espionage, showcasing the diverse range of lethal substances available.
Charlemagne embarks on a military expedition to Italy, facing internal conflicts and dramatic decisions regarding his wife and family.
Charlemagne's army was well-equipped, with a strong cavalry playing a crucial role in his military strategies.
Charlemagne's campaign towards Pavia is hindered by the marshy environment, leading to casualties from malaria rather than poisoning.
The average lifespan during Charlemagne's time was short, with malaria being a significant cause of mortality until the 17th century.
Charlemagne emerges victorious in the battle against the Lombards, expanding his territories to include Lombardy and parts of Italy, setting the stage for further conquests in Europe.

01:07:57

"Charlemagne's Diadem: Symbol of Unity and Power"

The diadem in the Monza Cathedral, believed to be made by Elena, mother of Emperor Constantine, contains a gold crown with six rectangular plates linked by hinges, a metal circle inside, 1mm thick, 1cm thick, and 53mm high, with a diameter of 15cm, adorned with 26 rosettes and 24 enamel mosaics.
Teodolinda, wife of the Lombard king Agilulf, brought the diadem to Italy in 589, promoting Lombard conversion to Catholicism, and it was used for the investiture of Italian kings until 1530, including Napoleon's coronation in 1805 in Milan.
Ferdinand I of Austria took the diadem to Vienna in 1838, but it was returned to the Savoys in 1866 after the Third War of Independence, symbolizing the Kingdom of Italy and its association with Charlemagne.
In 778 AD, Charlemagne's army, led by Roland, faced a Christian Spain under Arab occupation, with a clash at Zaragoza leading to the legendary Battle of Roncesvalles.
The Battle of Roncesvalles saw Roland's rear guard attacked by Christian mountaineers, leading to his death and the birth of the legendary figure Orlando, inspiring chivalric poems by Matteo Boiardo and Ludovico Ariosto.
Charlemagne's reign also focused on combating ignorance and preserving classical culture, with monasteries like Nonantola serving as centers of knowledge and cultural unity in his empire.
Charlemagne's cultural policies included standardizing Latin, introducing the Carolingian minuscule script, and promoting education through monasteries as book factories.
Charlemagne's commitment to education was unparalleled in medieval West, with his monogram signature validating important documents like confirmations of donations.
Byzantium, with its capital Constantinople, was a key Christian city, but differences with Rome led to Charlemagne's involvement in Italy, highlighting the split between Eastern and Western Christianity.
Charlemagne's marriage to Empress Irene of Byzantium aimed to unite the East and West through education and literacy, showcasing his efforts to bridge cultural divides in his empire.

01:28:08

Charlemagne's Reign: Power, Religion, and Resistance

Charlemagne was proposed marriage to Empress Irene, but he likely declined the offer.
Empress Irene took power in Byzantium, even blinding her son to maintain control.
The Pope openly supported Charlemagne over Irene, causing tension.
Charlemagne faced challenges from the Saxons who resisted his authority.
Charlemagne militarily invaded Saxon territories, forcing conversion to Christianity.
The Saxons practiced a pagan religion and resisted the imposed faith.
Charlemagne was seen as a representative of God, intervening in religious matters.
Medicine during Charlemagne's time was rudimentary, with high risks during childbirth.
Charlemagne's reign saw advancements in medical knowledge and manuscript production.
Charlemagne faced resistance from the Saxons for over 30 years before subduing them.

01:48:34

Charlemagne: Rise, Reign, and Legacy

Charlemagne's son, Pippin, plotted against him, causing Charlemagne distress, but he spared Pippin from death, unlike other conspirators who faced death sentences.
Charlemagne ordered all subjects in his empire to swear loyalty to him publicly, showing his concern after the conspiracy.
A plot against Charlemagne was also brewing in Byzantium, with the Pope Irene aiming to remove him from alliance with Charlemagne.
Charlemagne supported Pope Leo III, who faced accusations of corruption and cheating, leading to a trial where the Pope declared his innocence to secure Charlemagne's backing.
Charlemagne's coronation as emperor by the Pope in 800 marked a significant political shift, unifying an extensive territory and symbolizing a precursor to modern Europe.
Charlemagne's death at 71 due to a hunting accident ended his 46-year reign, with his tomb in Aachen becoming a legendary site enriched with art and relics over the centuries.
The empire Charlemagne created eventually dissolved, leading to centuries of European countries fighting and forming alliances, culminating in a modern Europe shaped by choice rather than conquest.

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