Chalemagne’s Vision of Empire

What does the General Capitulary for the Missi reveal about Charlemagne’s vision of himself and his empire?

From the reading, Charlemagne views himself as the sole leader and moral setter of the entire empire. His main vision and that of the empire is to achieve a condition where the subjects obey God’s laws and are undertaking their duties in a godly manner. The latter is exhibited by the strictness and the premium that the kingdom gives into religious obligations and activities prescribed for every person. Moreover, the list of rules listed in the oath, which is to be the guiding principles of the way of life that all must commit to following. He is a ruler who envisages total compliance from the subjects without facing any opposition resulting from the collusion of the ruled and the enemy or an uprising within the empire. He maintains the status quo by deploying archbishops and nuns throughout the empire whose main roles are to ensure that every individual abides by the set laws and regulations. The emperor portrays himself as the symbol of knowledge and wisdom to his subjects, which leads to people viewing him as the most superior and godly being in the kingdom.

In what ways were his Christian beliefs central to both?

The beliefs that Charlemagne held were useful in setting the precedent and ways of existence and relation within the empire. His Christianity background and motivations were very central in facilitating the smooth running of the empire’s activities. An oath that majorly encompasses biblical guidelines was used as the yardstick for ensuring that everybody is loyal to the calling and the belief. In addition, he used wise men, bishops, and archbishops in instilling the Christian values on his subjects. As such, the perception that the empire was godly was entrenched within the individuals under Charlemagne’s territory. The cross-cutting administrative reforms that were instigated by the emperor became the basis for the development of medieval monarchy; thus providing a conducive environment for engaging in activities that would raise the stake of the kingdom.

Why might Charlemagne have considered it necessary for all freemen to swear an oath of fidelity to him as emperor?

From the text, it can be discerned that the emperor desired to create a territory that is loyal and supportive of his leadership. Therefore, it is through these avenues that the subjects could be coerced into living within the set laws. The oath was majorly necessitated by the desire for people to appreciate the royalty that exists for the ruler. It forced the subjects to be protective of the emperor’s life while at the same time guarding against intrusion of an enemy into the kingdom. Moreover, taking the oath was a strategy to ensure that every individual within the empire actively participated in their religious duties; thus working to ensure that Christianity is practiced by all from an early age. The swearing process was also an acknowledgement by the subjects in the empire that they recognize and accept the authority of the emperor and that they shall fully and obediently ensure that there was no any voice of discontent that could be raised against the leader.

How was the notion of fidelity crucial to the success of his government?

In the kingdom, it was crucial to be loyal and maintain true fidelity to the emperor. The latter ensured that the serfs worked without complain while at the same time facilitating transparency in the entire activities they undertake. In addition, the main aim as to why all the individuals within the empire were required to show and express the level of their fidelity to the authority was a means through which Charlemagne was able to exert his authority through the vast empire. It allowed for the working together of the kingdom to facilitate the smooth running of all the activities in his territory.

What do the articles suggest about the means by which Charlemagne sought to unify his empire?

Charlemagne managed to successfully use religion as a means of ensuring that people stay united under one course. It is through the belief that Christianity is superior and the most deserving religion for one to belong; that the kingdom was unified under one ruler considered being godly and powerful. The unity was facilitated by ensuring that the emperor sent the wisest of men, bishops, and archbishops throughout the entire territory. Their roles were to advise and supervise the implementation of the laws and regulations that had been formulated and listed in the oaths which, was to be administered to everybody from the age of twelve. Ensuring that the serfs’ desires were contained and managed helped prevent any disagreements that could ensue as a result of the difference in privileges they were accorded, compared to others in the society. As such, every aspect of deviation from the emperor’s set guidelines was met with stiff repercussions. The latter ensured that the kingdom was ruled in the most efficient way thus promoting peaceful coexistence between people.