Three exhibitions on Charlemagne in Germany

Power, art and treasure are closely linked. The most famous historical rulers were often also patrons of the arts.

One of them, Charlemagne, did not only rule an enormous empire in the early Middle Ages that stretched from the Pyrenees to present-day Poland and encompassed large parts of the Balkans and Italy.

The first medieval emperor also introduced reforms in education and the church that have survived until today.

He therefore laid the foundation for European culture. Treasures return to their original location

Charlemagne died in Aachen in the year 814. The city in North Rhine-Westphalia has taken the 1,200th anniversary of his death as the occasion for three large exhibitions.

Archaeological and art historical objects are being presented in the former Coronation Hall at the town hall.

They provide insights into life at court during the Carolingian era and the material possessions of the emperor.

The exhibition at the Centre Charlemagne shows important works of art attributed to Charlemagne’s Palatine School of Aachen. They include the “Fibel aus Dorestad”, a piece of jewellery dating from around 800.

The venue of the third exhibition is the Cathedral Treasury near the Carolingian Marienkirche.

The treasures of the church treasury of the Carolingian era and the Middle Ages are normally displayed in museums all over the world.

They have returned to their original home especially for this exhibition.

Three exhibitions on Charlemagne in Aachen from 20 June to 21 September 2014

For more information see www.karldergrosse2014.de

Credit: Deutschland [June 17, 2014]