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Aachen Palace Capital

Type Object Region Franks Time 768–800

Aachen was the Carolingian political and ceremonial center established by Charlemagne in the late 8th century, hosting his palace, chapel, assemblies…

Timeline

  1. 768–790Aachen · AachenAfter accession, Charlemagne gradually made Aachen his main residence, using the local hot springs and Roman remains to convert the city into the operating base of the imperial court.
  2. 794–800Aachen palace district · AachenCharlemagne ordered the palace expanded and an octagonal Palatine Chapel built, blending Byzantine and Western Roman architectural elements, which became a symbol of imperial ceremony and religion.
  3. 800Aachen court · AachenAround 800, the Aachen court gathered scholars such as Alcuin, convened imperial assemblies and religious councils, and as a capital served administrative decision-making, scholarship, and imperial ceremony.

Sources