Key Lessons Learned About Charlemagne
The book Charlemagne’s Mustache: Other Cultural Clusters of a Dark Age is a detailed account of the cultural life and thought during the Carolingian period. The author reveals the previously unreported aspects of Charlemagne’s life, answering the question of why exoticism had such a prominent place in his life. While getting acquainted with this ruler’s episodes and life, readers can learn how and why political figures sought at all costs to glorify his name.
The most significant discovery for me was the point of view from which Charlemagne and his contemporaries looked at the world. The book reveals a specific system of values, which was quite relevant in the Middle Ages but inapplicable to modern realities. For example, long hair, beard, and mustache were previously perceived as the most obvious symbols of political or moral protest (Dutton, 2016). In the case of Charles, the beard was also a symbol of his wisdom and authority over his subordinates (Dutton, 2016). The ruler refused to shave his hair, even in situations where it objectively interfered with specific tasks.
Reevaluating Historical Leaders Through Charlemagne’s Story
In general, the king’s pedantry in everyday matters and his desire for simplicity and orderliness are atypical traits for a medieval leader of a country. However, this did not change my view of the politicians of the period because this example is not the only one, and the set of qualities shown by Charles in everyday life did not significantly affect the policy he pursued.
Charlemagne’s Struggles and Their Historical Impact
Overall, the example of this king’s struggles could have had a significant impact on history, ensuring unity and cohesion among the peoples of Europe for centuries to come and preventing the outbreak of internecine warfare. Much of the book’s purpose is to demonstrate the existence of unwarranted awakenings and competent, rational politics in the life of one politician.
Reference
Dutton, P. (2016). Charlemagne’s mustache other cultural clusters of a dark age. Springer.