Author: Einhard

Einhard, also known historically as Eginhard, was a Frankish scholar and courtier, whose literary prowess has endowed posterity with one of the most valuable narratives of the Carolingian era. Although exact details of his birth are obscure, Einhard is thought to have been born around 770 AD, possibly in the Main Valley in the Frankish kingdom. He served as a close confidant and secretary to Charlemagne and his son Louis the Pious, which positioned him to pen his seminal work, “Vita Karoli Magni” (The Life of Charlemagne), thought to be an essential source for understanding the reign of one of Europe”s most influential rulers. This biography is not only a depiction of Charlemagne”s military and political accomplishments, but also illustrates Einhard”s literary acumen, echoing the style of the Roman historian Suetonius. The “Early Lives of Charlemagne, ” as edited by Prof. A. J. Grant, includes Einhard”s historic account and stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of classic historical biographies to modern scholarship. Einhard”s contribution to Carolingian historiography lies not just in the meticulous recount of historical events, but also in his attempt to convey a nuanced portrait of Charlemagne, ensuring his work”s continued academic and historical significance.