After nearly three decades of meticulous research, German scientists have confidently identified bones interred in Aachen Cathedral as belonging to Charlemagne, the King of the Franks and the first Holy Roman Emperor. This monumental discovery sheds new light on one of history’s most influential figures, often hailed as the “Father of Europe.”
Charlemagne, born in 742 AD and ruling until his death in 814 AD, was a pivotal figure in medieval Europe. He unified much of Western Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire, creating a vast empire that included present-day France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and the Low Countries. His reign saw significant administrative, legal, and cultural reforms, collectively known as the Carolingian Renaissance. Charlemagne’s efforts in standardizing weights and measures, improving commerce, and fostering education laid the groundwork for the future of European civilization.
However, Charlemagne’s reign was also marked by extreme measures, including forced conversions to Christianity and brutal military campaigns. Despite these darker aspects, his contributions to European unity and culture have earned him enduring reverence.
Charlemagne was buried in the basilica he had commissioned at Aachen. Over centuries, his remains were disturbed multiple times, moved by various emperors and relic hunters. Notably, in 1000 AD, Otto III opened Charlemagne’s vault, followed by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1165 and Frederick II in 1215, who transferred the bones to different ornate containers. Despite numerous attempts by 20th-century archaeologists to locate his remains, Charlemagne’s final resting place remained uncertain, with several theories proposed about their whereabouts.
In 1988, a breakthrough occurred when researchers found a collection of bones in Aachen Cathedral, including a mostly intact skeleton in an elaborate tomb, a skull in a bust of the king, and a shin bone in a reliquary. These findings prompted a rigorous scientific investigation that spanned 26 years. The analysis focused on 94 bones and fragments, which revealed a tall, slim man matching historical descriptions of Charlemagne. Standing at 1.84 meters (6 feet) tall, the remains showed evidence of a knee injury, consistent with accounts of Charlemagne walking with a limp in his later years.
Professor Frank Rühli of the University of Zurich, one of the lead scientists on the project, confirmed that the bones are highly likely to belong to Charlemagne. The detailed study of the bones’ dimensions and conditions strongly aligns with historical records of the emperor’s physical characteristics. This confirmation brings closure to a long-standing historical mystery and solidifies Aachen Cathedral’s significance as the final resting place of one of Europe’s most pivotal figures.
The discovery of Charlemagne’s bones not only validates historical accounts but also offers a tangible connection to the man who played a crucial role in shaping medieval Europe. As researchers continue to study these remains, further insights into Charlemagne’s life and era may emerge, enriching our understanding of his legacy.
