Question

What does Einhard’s Life of Charlemagne tell us about the importance of education and learning for Franks, especially during Charlemagne? How was education gendered? In other words, how did Franks place different expectations on educating children of the royalty based on their gender? In your opinion, what is the purpose of this text?

Answer 1

One of the greatest contribution that Charlemagne made during medieval civilization was introducing a series of educational reforms.

Before Charlemagne, there was no emphasis on education. It is truly evident that classical education available to upper class was not much prevalent in early medieval Europe.

To be precise, certain people specially males used to get rudimentary education. This education was not always successful.

However, all of this changed when Frankish king known as Charles or Karl ascended to the throne of Franks in 768 after the death of his father. He bought a cultural revolution along with political changes. Within its core, lied a series of educational reforms that changed the dynamics of Europe forever.

The king could not read or write properly, but had great inclination towards intellectual activities. He became proficient in many liberal arts such as rhetoric, grammar, mathematics, astronomy, etc. He also knew languages such as Latin and Greek.

He also insisted importance of education among his family, court and beyond. He started with his children.

The boys were taught about riding and fighting whereas girls were taught about managing households. Not only this, they were also educated in liberal arts.

Head of monasteries were engaged in teaching boys (sometimes girls too) about reading and writing the Bible and grammar.