Einhard
Einhard was a prominent historian and biographer from the Frankish Empire, best known for his work, "Vita Karoli Magni Imperatoris," which is recognized as the first biography of a non-religious figure in the Middle Ages, focusing on Charlemagne. Born around 770 in what is now Germany, Einhard came from a noble family and received an education at a monastery in Fulda, where he developed skills in manuscript copying. His talents caught the attention of Charlemagne, leading to his role at the emperor's court, where he excelled in various disciplines including architecture, overseeing the construction of royal residences. Einhard's political acumen was evident when he managed Charlemagne's will and facilitated the elevation of Charlemagne's son, Louis the Pious, to co-emperor. Later, he served as the tutor to Louis's grandson, Lothair, and played a mediating role during familial disputes, navigating the complexities of court politics. Einhard's life spanned significant events in the Frankish Empire, and he passed away in 840. His legacy primarily rests on his contributions to biographical writing and his close association with one of the most influential rulers of the medieval period.
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Subject Terms
Einhard
Historian
- Born: c. 770
- Birthplace: Maingau, Germany
- Died: 840
- Place of death: Seligenstadt, Germany
Biography
Frankish Empire historian Einhard chronicled the life of Charlemagne in the manuscript Vita Karoli Magni Imperatoris, which was the first biography of a nonreligious figure of the Middle Ages. Born around 770 in Maingau in the River Main area of what would become Germany, Einhard enjoyed the advantages that came with birth into a noble family. He was educated at a monastery in Fulda. At Fulda, Einhard was taught to copy manuscripts. He exhibited a nimble mind and was sent to Charlemagne’s court to be educated by the tutor Alcuin.
At Charlemagne’s court, Einhard proved indispensable in a number of disciplines. He showed architectural and construction acumen that earned him the task of overseeing the design and construction of palace residences in Aachen. Einhard’s political and diplomatic skills were displayed when he was trusted to transport Charlemagne’s will to the event at which the Pope blessed of the division of the kingdom between Charlemagne’s sons. Einhard arranged for Charlemagne’s son Louis the Pious to become coemperor with his father in 813, the year before Charlemagne died. In 817, Einhard became tutor for Louis’s son Lothair, who was elevated to coemperor the same year. When Louis and Lothair quarreled in 830, Einhard was summoned to resolve the dispute. Einhard largely avoided being drawn in, perhaps because he was a dependent of Lothair, but also in deference to Louis. Einhard died in 840.