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Secondary sourceBookc. 817-833

Vita Karoli Magni

Einhard · c. 817-833

A biography of Charlemagne written by Einhard, a courtier who knew him, describing his appearance, habits, family and coronation.

Written by a courtier who knew Charlemagne, this is the fullest personal account of his life, family and reign.

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Woodcut title page with the heading 'VITA ET GESTA KAROLI MAGNI' and labels 'KAROLVS I' and 'KAROLVS V'. Two standing crowned men in robes are depicted, one bearded and one with a scepter, flanked by coats of arms and decorative borders, with 'CVM PRIVILEGIO IMPERIALI' at the bottom.
Einhard, Vita Karoli Magni, title page of a later printed edition.

About this source

What it is

The Vita Karoli Magni (Life of Charlemagne) is a biography written by Einhard, a scholar who served at Charlemagne's court. It was probably written in the years after Charlemagne's death in 814, modelled on the Roman biographer Suetonius. The book covers his family background, conquests, personal habits and his coronation as emperor in 800.

Why it matters

Einhard knew Charlemagne personally, so this is one of the richest personal portraits of any early medieval ruler. It shaped how later generations imagined Charlemagne, but Einhard also shaped the story to make his old master look good, leaving out or softening awkward episodes like a rebellion by Charlemagne's own son.

Look closer

  • Why might someone who worked for a king want to write flattering things about him?
  • What does Einhard choose to describe in detail, and what does he leave vague?
  • How can we tell the difference between Einhard's opinion and the facts he reports?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Charlemagne on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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