Problem
Read the following selection from The Life of Charlemagne (circa 829-836) by Einhard.
Also Read the following selection by Agobard of Lyon: "On the Insolence of Jews to Louis the Pious" (826-827).
Using these sources and the ones from Section A, write an essay of 900-1200 words answering the following questions. It is advisable to consult one of the Section A supplemental sources for some of these questions; for instance, the "missi" are discussed within the first source by Davis.
1) How were the Carolingians (i.e., Charlemagne's family) able take control of the previous Merovingian state? What were the chief features of Charlemagne's reign?
2) Charlemagne was eventually crowned the king of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope Leo III. What was the significance of this event?
3) How does Einhard's narrative characterize Charlemagne?
4) In your opinion, what light does the source by Agobard of Lyon shed on Charlemagne's legacy (in this case, his son Louis the Pious)?
5) Does this period deserve to be known as the Carolingian Renaissance? Why or why not?