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Charlemagne In Jeff Sypeck's Becoming Charlemagne

1713 Words7 Pages

Author of the book, Becoming Charlemagne, by Jeff Sypeck provides a clear glimpse into the life of one of the world’s greatest kings and ruler and later emperor Charlemagne, otherwise known as Karl or Charles the Great. Sypeck creates a vivid and strong look into the time of Charlemagne, early medieval Europe and some other important world leaders, including Pope Leo III, Irene the Byzantine emperor, Alcuin the scholar and Harun al-Rashid ruler of Baghdad. These figures are crucial to the story of Karl becoming Charlemagne, and their stories included in the book help form and symbolize Charlemagne the Ruler. Understanding Charlemagne and early medieval Europe is presented vibrantly throughout the book by in-depth stories, facts and a clear …show more content…

Irene was the wife of emperor Leo IV, with the death of her husband she became co-leader with 10 year old son Constantine VI. Although the thought of a mother/son co-rule sounds peaceful and arming, after much frustration on Constantine’s part, left Irene banished from the courts by her own son. Although Irene does not quite directly help Karl onto the throne, she opens diplomatic relations with Karl, emperor of the west and is a key figure to the picture that makes up Charlemagne, also referring to global context understanding Irene also shows that Karl is not the only emperor with the desire of power and land. She also symbolizes a women escaping the stereotypes of men in power, as she rises through the men surrounding her. Irene reins alone as emperor for five years, an impressive reign as a women suppressed in society. The book describes Irene and her reign in Constantinople, “Attempting to balance tradition, innovation, and scandal, she learned the ways of Constantinople on her own terms, making the city, the empire, and its people her own.” (pg.

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