In this podcast episode, we explore Charlemagne’s reign, particularly his violent conquests of the Saxons and Lombards. While his military skills expanded his empire across much of Western Europe, his brutal methods raised serious questions about their alignment with his Christian beliefs. The episode also highlights Alcuin of York, a scholar who pushed back against Charlemagne’s harsh tactics, advocating for a more compassionate approach to conversion. We’ll see how Charlemagne’s Roman-inspired military strategies contrast with Alcuin’s focus on education and peaceful spread of Christianity, ultimately influencing the Carolingian Renaissance and shaping European culture for years to come.
