Expert: Laura Trauth - 2/17/2006

Question
Can you explain what the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne's signature stands for?

Answer
Hi Stephen,

I'm not sure I understand exactly what you're asking in your question.  If you mean, symbolically what did it mean that Charlemagne signed something, then the answer is it would mean that he made that document official, he approved it much and enabled its enforcement, much as when a modern leader signs a bill into law or a treaty, etc.

If you are asking how he signed the documents, he signed them with the words "Carolus Magnus."  This is Latin for Charles or Karl the Great (which is what Charlemagne means too, only in French!).  He saw himself as the reviver of the Roman tradition, so he's going to use Latin as his language of court, rather than German.  In this he differed from the other great king of his era known for learning.  That would be Alfred the great, nearly a century later.  Alfred, rather than promoting latin, promoted the native Anglo Saxon (Old English) tounge of his people!

I hope that answers your question.  If not, please do write back and let me know what you're interested in finding out!

Sincerely,
Laura Trauth