Family Tree: Family of Alfred the Great to Matilda of Flanders

 

Aethelwulf of Wessex (797-858) & Osburth of Hampshire

I

 

Alfred the Great of Wessex (849-899) & Ealhswith (d 902) 

  I

Ælfthryth (Elftrude) of England (877-929) & Count Baldwin II of Flanders (865-918)

I

Arnulf I of Flanders (899-964) & Adela de Vermandois (c910-960)

I

Count Baldwin III of Flanders (940-962) & Mathilde Billung of Saxony (945-1008)

I

 

 

Arnulf II of Flanders (961-987) & Princess Rosala (Susanne) of Italy c960-1003) 

 

I

 

 Count Baldwin IV of Flanders (980-1035) & Ogivia Luxemboug (955-1029)

 

I

 

 

Count Baldwin V of Flanders (1012-1067) & Adela of France (1009-1079)

 

I

 

 

 

Matilda of Flanders (1031)-1083) & William the Conqueror (1028-1134) 

Family Tree Alfred the Great to the Plantagenets

Alfred the Great (849-899) & Ealhswith of Mercia (852-905)

Alfred the Great was King of the West Saxons from 871 to 886

and King of the Anglo-Saxons from 886 until his death in 899 

I

Edward the Elder (871-924) & Elfieda of Wiltshire (c878-c920)

Other forms of Elfieda's name include Elflæda, Ælflæda or Ælflæd

 Edward ruled Wessex from 899-924

I 

 

Edmund I of England (c921-946) & Ælfgifu of Shaftesbury (d.944)

Another form of  Ælfgifu's name was Elgiva

Ruled England from October 939-946 

 

I 

 

Edgar of England (943-975) & Ælfthryth of Devon (c945-1002)

Other forms of Ælfthryth's name include Alfrida and Elfrida

Ruled from 959-975 

 

I 

 

Ethelred II of England (968-1016) & Ælfgifu of York (970-1002)

Other names for the king include Æthelred II and Ethelred the Unready

Ruled March 978 to December 1013 and February 1014-April 1016 

 

I

 

Edmund II of England (989-1016) - Ealdgyth of Northumbria (995-1016)

Edmund II was also known as Edmund Ironside

Ruled April to November 1016 

 

I

 

Edward Ætheling (1016-1093) & Agatha of Hungary (1025-1066)

 

I

 

Margaret Ætheling (1045-1093) & Malcolm III of Scotland (1031-1093)

Margaret Ætheling became St Margaret of Scotland 

Malcolm was king of Scotland from 1058-1093 

 

I

 

Editha of Scotland (1089-1118) & Henry I King of England (1069-1135)

Editha was also known as Matilda 

 

+ 

 

Henry I was king of England from 1100-1135  

He was the first Plantagenet king  

King Henry I was a son of William the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders   

 

I

 

Empress Matilda (1102-1169) & Geoffrey V Plantagenet (1113 - 1151)

The descendants of Matilda and Geoffrey were known as the Plantagenets  

Approximate Family Tree of Rollo Ragnvaldsson

There are records for the family of Rollo going back many generations but the spelling of names and dates vary within the records. However it is possible to trace an outline of part of this section of the family tree and how they lived via segments of the Scandinavian sagas written many years later. Gaining information about most of the individuals is next to impossible as few written records were kept.

Rollo Ragnvaldsson was born in Scandinavia - possibly in Norway though some sources mention Denmark as the country of his birth. His exact year of birth is unknown but was probably in the mid 840s.

Rollo's parents 

Rollo's father was Ragnvald (or Rognvald) 'the Wise' I Eysteinsson who became the Earl (Jarl) of Møre in Norway, Earl of Orkney and Count of Maer. 

He was born c825 in Maer and died c890 in Scotland. 

Rollo's mother was Hildr Hrólfsdóttir. Hildra and Ragnvald had three sons including Rollo.

Vikings started to move to the islands north of Scotland at the end of the eighth and beginning of the ninth centuries. The King of Norway, Harold  Hårfagre, passed control of the Orkney and Shetland Islands to Ragnvald Eysteinsson around 875. Ragnvald then passed the earldom to his brother, Sigurd.

The following articles provide a little more information: 

Rollo Ragnvaldsson Earl of  Møre 

Hildr Hrólfsdóttir 

Vikings in Scotland 

 Rognvald Eysteinsson: the Viking Earl who shaped North Atlantic History

Parents of Ragnvald 'the Wise'

Eystein 'the Noisy' Glumra was Jarl of the Uplanders (Earl of part of Norway). He was born in 788 in Maer, Norway. He died c 860.

Ascrida Ragnavaldsdottir was the daughter of  King Rognvald Olafsen of Norway and Thora Olafsson and was born in c812 and died 890.

Parents of  Eystein 'the Noisy' Glumra

Earl Ivar Halfdansson was born in Oppland, Norway (date unknown). He died in Oppland in 824.

Gundella Eysteindatter was born c785 in Trondheim, Norway and she died in Oppland, Norway in 850. 

Parents of Ivar Halfdansson

Halfdan Vanha (the Old) Sveidasson was born c745 in Oppland Norway and died c800 in Borri, Norway. The name of the mother of Ivar Halfdansson is unknown.

The further back you go the more difficult it becomes to locate viable information. 

During the time of the Vikings in Scandinavia, particularly in the eighth and ninth centuries, what is now known as Norway was divided into Petty Kingdoms, including Oppland. In 872 King Harald unified the petty kingdoms into one entity.

Petty Kingdoms in Norway c872

Although the information about individuals is vague it is interesting to be aware of this family connection to Norway and to the Vikings.

Family Tree of William the Conqueror to Rollo

The family tree of William the Conqueror can also be traced back to the Vikings. Rollo Ragnvaldsson, the five times great grandfather of  William the Conqueror, was a Viking who settled in Normandy with the permission of the French king on the condition that his followers discouraged other viking ships approaching France, especially Paris.

Rollo Ragnvaldsson (c860-931) & Poppa of Bayeux (c872-930)

Rollo was the first Duke of Normandy 

I

William Longsword (Guillaume) (d. 942) & Adela 

William was the second Duke of Normandy 

I

Richard I (c933-996) & Gunnor de Crepon (c950-c1031) 

Richard was the third Duke of Normandy 

I 

Richard II (c962-1026) & Judith of Brittany (982-1017)

Richard was the fourth Duke of Normandy

I

Robert I (c1008-1035) & Herleva de Falaise (c1012-1050)

Robert was the 6th Duke of Normandy

I

William II (1028-1087)  & Matilda of Flanders (c1031-1083)

William was the 7th Duke of Normandy.

 He became King William I of England - William the Conqueror

Notes on Family Tree of William the Conqueror to Charlemagne

The information about people on this part of William the Conqueror's family tree is often scarce and can vary in different sources. This makes researching this part of the family story a challenge. However, the information in this blog post can be viewed as a starting point.

Robert I Duke of Normandy and Herleva of Falaise 

The parents of William the Conqueror were Robert I Duke of Normandy (1000 to 1035) and Herleva of Falaise (c1020-c1050).

Robert I, probably born on 22 June 1000, was also known as Robert the Magnificent. He was the son of  Richard II of Normandy and Judith of Brittany, and the brother of Richard III of Normandy. In 1027 he became the Duke of Normandy after defeating his brother. His brother died later that year. For many years Robert was involved in disputes with the church, particularly with his uncle, the archbishop of Rouen. Robert I died during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem on 2 July 1035. His son William succeeded him as Duke of Normandy.

William's mother, Herleva, the daughter of a tanner from Falaise in Normandy, was born in 1010. When she was seventeen Herleva became the mistress of Robert Duke of Normandy and in 1028, Herleva and Robert had a son who eventually became known as William Duke of Normandy. Instead of marrying Herleva, Robert persuaded her to marry his friend, Herluin of Conteville. Herleva and Herluin had three children. When Robert Duke of Normandy died in 1035 William inherited his father's title as he was Robert's only living son.

Richard II Duke of Normandy and Judith of Brittany

Richard II Duke of Normandy was born in 974. He was the son of Richard I Duke of Normandy and Gunnor de Crepon. Richard became Duke of Normandy in 996. He married Judith of Brittany in order to form an alliance between Normandy and Brittany. 

In 1000-1001, Richard defeated the English king, Aethelred the Unready on the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy at Val-de-Saire. He then arranged for his sister, Emma of Normandy, to marry Aethelred to make peace.This resulted in one of the pathways for William the Conqueror to claim the English throne. When Emma later married Canute Richard was forced to recognize Emma's new husband as King of England. Richard later hired Viking mercenaries for his campaigns. He died in 1026. 

Judith of Brittany, born in 982, was the daughter of Conan I of Brittany and Ermengarde-Gerberga of Anjou. They had six children - three sons including Robert II Duke of Normandy and three daughters including Eleanor of Normandy (c1012-c1071) who married Count Baldwin IV of Flanders (980-1035). Count Baldwin and his first wife, Ogivia Luxemboug (955-1029) were grandparents of Matilda of Flanders, the wife of William the Conqueror. Judith of Brittany died 28 June 1017.

Ermengarde of Anjou and Conan I Count of Rennes

Ermengarde was born on 11 November 958. Her parents were Geoffrey I Count of Anjou and Adele de Meaux (de Vermandois). Ermengarde died on 27 June 1022. In 973 she married Conan I Count of Rennes in a marriage arranged to form a political alliance between Anjou and Brittany. However her husband,  father and brother, Fulk, did not get on and in the Battle of Conquereuil in 992 Conan was killed by Fulk. He was buried at Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, Normandy. 

Ermengarde and Conan had four children including Judith of Brittany. Ermengarde later married William II  Count of Angoulême, and had another six children. 

When Conan died Ermengarde became Regent of Brittany from 992-994 as her son, Geoffrey, was only twelve when her husband was killed. Ermengarde died 27 June 1022.

Adele of Troyes & Geoffrey I Count of Anjou 

Adele was born around 950 and died after 980. She was the daughter of Robert of Vermandois, Count of Meaux and Troyes, and Adelaide of Burgundy. Adele had many names including Adela of Vermandois, Countess of Chalon and later Countess of Anjou. Adele married Geoffrey I Count of Anjou and they had three children including Ermengarde of Anjou. Adela possibly died in 982. She was buried at St Aubin Abbey, Angers.

Geoffrey, the eldest son of Fulk II and his first wife Gerberga, succeeded his father as Count of Anjou in about 960, when he was 20. As Adele's grandmother was the daughter of Robert I of France plus Adele's direct lineage to Charlemagne, this marriage brought Geoffrey's family into the French nobility. Geoffrey's power base was Angers. Geoffrey also had influence in Aquitaine via his mother's family. After the death of Adele, Geoffrey married again  and they had a son. Geoffrey died on 21 July 987.

Robert Count of Meaux & Troyes & Adelaide of Burgundy

Robert was possibly born around 910. His parents were Heribert (Herbert) II, Count of Vermandois and Adela Capet. Robert married Adelaide of Burgundy, daughter of Giselbert, Duke of Burgundy. They had three children including Adele of Troyes. Robert's date of death is also uncertain, possibly between 966 and 968. Adelaide's date of birth was around 916 and she possibly died around 969.

Herbert II Count of of Vermandois & Adela Capet

Herbert II was possibly born in 884 in Vermandois, Normandy, France (though other dates have also been given) and died on February 23, 943 in Aisne, France. He was the Count of Vermandois as well as Count of Troyes, and was the son of Herbert I of Vermandois and Countess Bertha de Morvois who was born around 855 in Bohain, Aisne, Picardie, France and probably died in 915. 

Herbert II inherited his father's lands and in 907 added to it the Saint de Soissons abbey. His marriage with Adela of France (891–942) brought him the County of Meaux. In 918, he became the Count of Mézerais and of the Véxin. Herbert II with his cousin Bernard, Count of Beauvais and Senlis created a power base in the west of France, to the north and east of Paris to the extent that in 923, he imprisoned King Charles III of France in Chateau-Thierry, then in Péronne.

Herbert II was involved in many battles, some successful and some not so successful in the early 930s. He eventually regained most of the land he had lost. In some battles he fought with William Longsword C893-c942 (a Norman leader who was the great great grandfather of William the Conqueror).

Herbert II had married Adele de France before 21 May 907. Adele was the daughter of King Robert I of France. They had one daughter and four sons including Robert, Count of Meauxa and Troyes.

When Herbert II died, his body was buried at the Basilique of Saint Quentin.

 

Herbert I of Vermandois and Lietgardis

Herbert was the son of Pepin of Vermandois and the great-grandson of Pepin of Italy, the son of Charlemagne. His date of birth is uncertain - possibly between 848 and 850. Herbert became count of Soissons and count of Vermandois before 889, and was involved in defending the River Oise against Viking invasion. 

Herbert probably married Lietgardis (Liutgard or Liutgarde) in 878.  Lietgardis was possibly born in 862 and died in 923). They had four children including Herbert II of Vermandois and Béatrice de Vermandois, who married King Robert I of France. 

Herbert I died in 907 after involvement in a conflict with Count Baldwin II  of Flanders. He was possibly buried at the Abbey of Saint-Quentin or its vicinity though no burial record has been discovered.

Pepin of Vermandois 

Pepin Count of Vermandois was the son of Bernard of Italy (797-818) and Cunigunda of Laon. Pepin was probably born in 817 and was Bernard and Cunigunda's only child. Pepin supported his uncle, King Lothair, after the death of Emperor Louis the Pious, despite having sworn allegiance to Charles the Bald.

Pepin and his wife (name unknown) possibly had five children including Herbert I of Vermandois. Pepin of Vermandois is thought to have lived until about 850. 

Medieval Family Trees

Researching family history can produce lots of surprises. I knew from previous research that there was a family connection to Charlemagne via Matilda of Flanders, the wife of William the Conqueror (William I of England). I have recently been researching these links in more detail.

Then in August 2026 the Lennox Ark Facebook page published a chart showing two family trees of William the Conqueror. One showed connections from Rollo the Viking to William on one side of the chart while the second showed connections from Charlemagne to William. Our family therefore has two family trees linking to Charlemagne. Researching some of the people mentioned on these trees sometimes showed different information as often little information is available. However the post provided a good starting point.

As well as family tree links to Charlemagne, Matilda of Flanders' family tree has direct links to the English king, Alfred the Great. 

Alfred the Great's family tree also has direct links to the Empress Matilda (granddaughter of Matilda of Flanders) and the Plantagenets via marriages between English and Scottish royalty. 

In the 1950s I was told that one of our family trees had links to Robert the Bruce of Scotland. When I eventually checked this story myself it was possible to trace the family tree to the early kings of Scotland. Because of the intermarriage between members of royal families it was also possible to link the family tree to the Plantagenets in England via James I of Scotland who married Lady Joan Beaufort (the granddaughter of John of Gaunt (a son of Edward III of England).

Once you locate direct family tree links to English or Scottish kings it is therefore probable that this is just the beginning of locating links to other British or European families. An article in The Guardian discussed this topic - So you are related to Charlemagne? - The Guardian 24 May 2015 .  

One thing I have learned when doing family history research is that, as well as the fun of exploring family trees to locate relatives shared with thousands and thousands of other people, you also can learn a lot about history of the countries and times when they lived. Family history research can also be addictive and never ending.

Family Tree of William the Conqueror to Charlemagne

This is a brief summary of the family tree of William the Conqueror (my 28th great grandfather) to Charlemagne (my 39th great grandfather [on this branch of the tree]) and beyond.

William the Conqueror (1028-1134) & Matilda of Flanders (1031-1083)

I

Robert I (Duke of Normandy) (c1010-1035) & Herleva of Falaise (c1025-c1050)

I

Richard II (Duke of Normandy) (d.1026) & Judith of Brittany (d.1017)

I

Ermengarde of Anjou (958-1022) & Conan I (Count of Rennes) (d.992)

  I

Adele of Troyes (c950-c980) & Geoffrey I (Count of Anjou (d 987)

I

Robert (Count of Meaux & Troyes (c910-c966) & Adelaide of Burgundy (c916-c969)

I

Herbert II (Count of of Vermandois) (c870-943) & Adele de France (891–942)

I 

Herbert I (Count of Vermandois) (c835-907) & Lietgardis (c862-923)

I

Pepin (c810-after 838)

I

Bernard (King of Italy) (c.787-818)

I 

Pepin (King of Italy) (777-810)  

I

Charlemagne (c742-814) & Hildegarde of Swabia (d. 818)

I

Pepin III (King of the Franks) (717-768) & Berthe of Laon (720-783)

I

Charles Martel of the Franks (676-741) & Rotrude A de Treves (690-724)

I

Pepin II of Heristal (635-714) & Alpaide Von Sasche (654-)

I

Ansegisel of Austrasia (602-) & Begue of Landen (613-694)

I 

Arnold des Francs Ripuaires of Metz (582-640) & Dode of Saxony (586-) 

I

Bodegise of Aquitaine (562-589) &  Oda of Savoy (562-611)

I

Mummolin des Francs (505-568) & Aldeberge Blithildis de Paris (c541-580) 

Family Tree of Matilda of Flanders to Charlemagne

This is a brief summary of the family tree of Matilda of Flanders (my 28th great grandmother) to Charlemagne (my 38th great grandfather) and beyond.

Matilda of Flanders (1031-1083) & William the Conqueror (1028-1134)

I

Count Baldwin V of Flanders (1012-1067) & Adela of France (1009-10079)

I

Count Baldwin IV of Flanders (980-1035) & Ogivia Luxemboug (955-1029)

I

Arnulf II of Flanders (961-987) & Rosala of Italy (937-1003)

I

Count Baldwin III of Flanders (940-962) & Mathilde Billung of Saxony (945-1008)

I

Arnulf I of Flanders (889-964) & Adela de Vermandois (c910-960) 

I

Count Baldwin II of Flanders (865-918) & Aelfthryth of England (877-929)

I

Judith of Flanders (843-870) & Count Baldwin I of Flanders (843-879)

I

Charles II (the Bald) of Flanders (823-877) & Ermentrude de Orleans (823-869)

I

Louis I (the Pious) (788-840) & Judith of Bavaria (c807-843)

I

Charlemagne (c742-814) & Hildegarde of Swabia (d. 818)

 

 I

Pepin III (King of the Franks) (717-768) & Berthe of Laon (720-783)

I

Charles Martel of the Franks (676-741) & Rotrude A de Treves (690-724)

I

Pepin II of Heristal (635-714) & Alpaide Von Sasche (654-)

I

Ansegisel of Austrasia (602-) & Begue of Landen (613-694)

I 

Arnold des Francs Ripuaires of Metz (582-640) & Dode of Saxony (586-) 

I

Bodegise of Aquitaine (562-589) &  Oda of Savoy (562-611)

I

Mummolin des Francs (505-568) & Aldeberge Blithildis de Paris (c541-580) 

Carolingian Dynasty

Carolingian Empire

Map of Francia

The Carolingian Dynasty (751-887) was a family of Frankish nobles who ruled Francia and its successor kingdoms in Western and Central Europe during the Early Middle Ages. The dynasty expanded from Francia as far as modern Italy, Spain, and Hungary, and ruled the eponymous Carolingian Empire (800-887), the largest European political entity to exist until the 19th century.

The Carolingian name is derived from the dynasty’s common usage of the name Charles and refers to Charles Martel (688-741), remembered today for his leadership in repelling the expansion of the Moors into Gaul, and to Charlemagne, King of the Franks  (r. 768-814) and Holy Roman Emperor (r. 800-814). Charlemagne’s coronation in 800 as Emperor of the Romans established the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire, although this terminology is anachronistic and was not standardized until the 12th century.

The Carolingian kings and emperors dominated the politics of Central Europe in their time but faced constant challenges to their rule. Despite its powerful height, the Carolingian Dynasty succumbed to succession disputes, civil war, and territorial partitions in the mid-9th century. The partitions established the political basis for the Holy Roman Empire as well as modern France, Germany, and Italy. The Carolingian Dynasty’s territorial expansion, policies, and relationship with the medieval church are often viewed as foundational in the development of modern Europe. 
(www.worldhistory.org/Carolingian_Dynasty/)

Map of Carolingian Empire in the time of Charlemagne

Charles Martel (686-741) 

Charles Martel was born in Herstal, Frankia (Belgium) in 686. His father, Pepin II of Herstal, was Mayor of Austrasia - the north eastern kingdom of Frankia. As Charles was illegitimate, he initially did not inherit land when his father died. In fact he was imprisoned to prevent him from making a claim. A group of nobles helped Charles to escape and he eventually gained control as Mayor of not only Austrasia but also of Neustria. 

 

Much of Charles' rule was spent fighting against Islamic armies, firstly in Aquitaine which was invaded by an Islamic army in 732. Charles with his army and cavalry then fought and won many other battles against invading forces. His military prowess earned him the nickname, The Hammer.

Charles Martel in the Battle of Tours

There was generally peace for the last four years of Charles' life. He was de facto leader of the Franks from 737 until he died  on 22 October 741.

 

Charles Martel married Rotrude of Treves and they had two sons and three daughters. He then married Swanhild and they had one son. There were also a number of illegitimate children. Charles divided his realm between his two older sons, Carloman and Pepin the Younger (Pepin III).

 

Pepin III 

Between 800 and 888 the Carolingian Empire was dominated by the Franks in western and central Europe. The Carolingian Dynasty had ruled as kings of the Franks since 751 and as kings of the Lombards in Italy from 774.  In 800, the Frankish king Charlemagne was crowned emperor in Rome by Pope Leo III in order to transfer the Roman Empire from the Byzantine Empire in eastern Europe to western Europe. 

https://europeanroyalhistory.wordpress.com/tag/pepin-iii-the-short/

Pepin III nicknamed the Short (c. 714 – September 24, 768), also called the Younger was King of the Franks from 751 until his death in 768 was the first Carolingian to become king. He was the son of Charles Martel and Rotrude of Treves. Pepin and his brother, Carloman, received an ecclesiastical education from the monks of St. Denis. Pepin succeeded his father as the Mayor of the Palace in 741 and ruled Francia jointly with his elder brother Carloman. Pepin ruled in Neustria, Burgundy, and Provence, while his older brother Carloman ruled Austrasia, Alemannia, and Thuringia.

 

The two brothers suppressed revolts led by the Bavarians, Aquitanians, Saxons, and the Alemanni (German tribes) during the early years of their reign. In 743 they chose Childeric III, the last Merovingian monarch, as figurehead King of the Franks. 

 

In 747  Carloman entered a monastery in Montecassino, Italy and Pepin became the sole ruler of Francia with the backing of Pope Zacharias. Between 749 and 750 Pepin consolidated his authority and received . oaths of allegiance from his many vassals. In 751 he was also declared king of the Franks.

 

In October 753 when the Lombard army that was threatening Rome, the Pope travelled to Frankia to seek assistance from the Franks. In 755 Pepin led an army into Italy which eventually defeated the Lombards, restoring the authority of the Pope to the territory.

 

Other military campaigns included removing the Saracens from Narbonne in 759 and after eight years of warfare, Pepin won full control over Aquileia in Italy. Successful military campaigns in 753 and 758 led to the conquest of Saxony and quelled an uprising in Bavaria. Pepin III therefore managed to complete the military tasks planned by his father, Charles Martel.

 

Pepin’s reign was also a time for reform of the church establishing order within the previously disorganized Frankish church. Frankish prelates pledged obedience to the Pope, priests wore uniform attire, and the rules of Saint Benedict were adopted, outlining the standards for leading a Christian life.

 

Pepin’s brother, Bishop Remigius, brought priests from Rome to teach the Frankish clergy the Roman style of singing in church. The importance of monasteries and the church increased.

 

Pepin also restructured the court and introduced the position of  a chamberlain to guard the treasury as well as monitor income from fines, customs, and taxes. Pepin instigated monetary reform. He also promoted literacy, culture, and art leading to what became known as the Carolingian Renaissance.

 

In 748 Pepin III married Berthe (Berthrada) of Laon and they had seven children (four of them died young).

Pepin III died in 768 at the age of 54 and his body was laid to rest in Saint-Denis. Pepin divided the kingdom between his sons Charlemagne and Carloman. Charlemagne would eventually become the Holy Roman Emperor.

 

Pepin the Short: the first Carolingian King - Culture Frontier

Kingdom of East Francia - European Royal History  

Charlemagne (748-814)

Charlemagne (747-814)

Charlemagne and His Guards - plaza in front of Notre-Dame, Paris 

Charlemagne had many titles. He was King of the Franks (r. 768-814), King of the Franks and Lombards (r. 774-814), Holy Roman Emperor (r. 800-814) and was one most influential figures in Europe in the Middle Ages. He was known for his military successes which united most of Western Europe, his educational and ecclesiastical reforms, and his policies which led to the development of future European nations.

The date of Charlemagne's birth is uncertain. He may have been born on 2 April 747 (though some sources say 742) at Aachen (in what is now Germany). Charlemagne was the son of Pepin III who was King of the Franks and Berthe of Laon. Pepin III was mayor of the palace which meant that he had the powerful position of effectively being the ruler of the Franks. When Pepin III died in 768 his land was divided between his sons Charlemagne and Carloman. 

When Carloman died in 771 Charlemagne took over his part of the kingdom, becoming the sole ruler of the Franks. He was known as a warrior king and was prepared to enter battles to defend and extend his territory. In 773 he led an army against the Lombards as requested by Pope Adrian I. The Lombards were defeated in 774 and Charlemagne took over northern Ital and added King of the Lombards to his titles.

Over the years many battles were fought against countries such as Spain, Bavaria and the Saracens in Italy with success in Sardinia, Corsica and the Balearic Islands. Battles were also against the Avars and the Slavs collecting great riches along the way. Charlemagne also fought the Saxons hoping to incorporate Saxon land into Frankish rule. He also planned to convert the Saxons to Christianity. He brought in laws making paganism a capital offence and many people were killed. Charlemagne's aim to overcome the Saxons was finally achieved in 804 - the battles had lasted for 32 years though there had been periods of peace. However peace was short lived as demonstrated by Viking invasions in the years after the death of Charlemagne.

Charlemagne was a religious man who supported Pope Leo III against the Roman persecution. Once back in power, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day 800. 

As well as being a warrior Charlemagne was a diplomat, using diplomacy to maintain the status of his kingdom and borders  and working to make his neighbours allies.

Education was important and he founded a royal library, a palace school and scriptorium at Aachen. In 789 Charlemagne declared that all monasteries should have a school for the education of boys. A new writing system made manuscripts easier to read and copy. His work was part of the Carolingian Renaissance, a period of revival in writing, art and learning in Western Europe. This revival was strong in the period 780 to 900. Numerous monasteries with scriptoria and schools were established at various royal courts - a precursor to the Renaissance, which began in 14th century Italy. He persuaded many eminent scholars to come to his court to establish a new library of Christian and classical works. Charlemagne's intent was to establish a replacement for the Western Roman Empire and encourage learning. Literature, art and architecture were important features of Charlemagne's reign. He was also interested in the culture of other countries.

Coin showing portrait of Charlemagne

Like a number of other leaders at the time, Charlemagne also reorganised the monetary systems in the lands that he ruled including introducing the half denier. This move encouraged rulers in other kingdoms to do the same. Charlemagne introduced administrative reforms throughout the lands he controlled by establishing key representatives in each region and holding a general assembly each year at his court at Aachen. He standardised systems of weights, measures and customs dues, which helped improve commerce and initiated important legal reforms.

Charlemagne also established relationships with leaders of other countries including King Offa of Mercia, England. Both countries wanted to improve trade relationships and also form alliances in order to protect their lands from Viking invasions from across the sea.

Some leaders at the time referred to Charlemagne as 'The Father of Modern Europe'.

Charlemagne died of natural causes in Aachen on 28 January 814. Charlemagne was buried in the cathedral that he had built in Aachen, which the French called Aix-la-Chapelle.

Charlemagne is known to have had four wives during his life -  Desiderata from 770 to 771, Hildegarde to 783, Fastrada to 794 and Liutgard until 800. He also had many concubines during his life. It is believed that he probably had up to 20 children (the records vary but it was a lot) including nine children with Hildegarde and two children with Fastrada. He had four legitimate sons but only Louis (the Pious) was alive to succeed him when he died.

Charlemagne - World History Encyclopedia

Charlemagne - Britannica

So you are related to Charlemagne? - The Guardian 24 May 2015