Charlemagne's arrival in the 21st century
Twelve centuries after his death, the medieval image of Charlemagne as an ideal ruler has faded. The Catholic Church no longer acknowledges him as a saint. Legends about Charlemagne that were once widespread are now only familiar to experts.
Research sees in him an exciting and contradictory figure whose key role in the history of Europe is beyond dispute. His public image today is as a symbol of European unification, and in today's Aachen he is a popular figure to be seen everywhere, even in adverts.
One thing is certain: Charlemagne has made it into the 21st century. A computer game by the American company Firaxis features a digital Charlemagne, and challenges the player to influence and modify the course of history.
Charlemagne the Digital
