Contributors: Alexander Kerr, Jean Subrenat, Joseph J. Duggan, Judith Belam, Marianne Ailes, Philippe Verelst, Francois Suard, Karen Pratt, James Simpson, Philip E. Bennett, Peter Noble, Tony Hunt, Edward A. Heinemann, Finn Sinclair, Colin Smith, Gordon Knott, Jan A. Nelson

Charles the king, our emperor great,
Has been a full seven years in Spain.
As far as the sea he conquered this haughty land.
Not a single castle remains standing in his path
Charlemagne (768-814) was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800 and presided over a huge empire. He frequently appears in literature as a great warlord and pious crusading figure. In 778, the rearguard of Charlemagne's retreating army was ambushed and defeated at the battle of Roncevaux. This became the inspiration for songs and poems celebrating deeds of valour in the face of overwhelming odds,...