Charlemagne, also known as the Charles I, was a king of the Franks and Roman Emperor who lived in the 8th century. He was born in 742 in the current region of Belgium and died in 814 in the city ofAachen, in Germany. Charlemagne was one of the most important rulers of his time, uniting most of Europe Western and founder of theCarolingian Empire.

Charlemagne began his career politics as king of the Franks in 768, after the death of his father, Pepin the Short. He quickly consolidated his power and expanded his territory through a series of military campaigns. In 771, he invaded the kingdom of Lombardy in Italy, which allowed the Franks to control a large part ofNorthern Italy.

⁣⁢Charlemagne also led a series of campaigns against the Saxons, which lasted for over thirty years. Although often criticized for his brutality towards conquered populations, Charlemagne succeeded in uniting a large part of Western Europe under his banner.⁤⁣

⁣⁢Charlemagne was also a great patron of the arts and culture. He encouraged education, founded schools, and even learned to read and write himself, although he was never a scholar. He also invited scholars and artists from all over Europe to his court, which allowed Carolingian culture to flourish.⁤⁣

⁣⁢In 800, Charlemagne was crowned Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III, an event that marked the beginning of the Carolingian Empire. The empire lasted until 843, when it was divided into three parts.⁤⁣

⁣⁢To celebrate Charlemagne's 1275 years, Germany dedicated its new 2€ commemorative coin to him.⁤⁣