
Charlemagne
A Captivating Guide to the Greatest Monarch of the Carolingian Empire and How He Ruled over the Franks, Lombards, and Romans
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Jason Zenobia
About this listen
If you want to discover the captivating history of Charlemagne, then pay attention...
Warrior. Ruler. Patron of the arts and language. Terrorist. Brutal oppressor. Protector of the good. Guardian of Christendom. Father of Europe. There are so many different ways in which Charlemagne can be described, and yet, the man himself is often seen as an enigma.
Depending on the viewpoint of history, he could have been either a monster or a guardian angel. Yet, as with most men, the truth lies somewhere in between. The truth is that he was human.
Charlemagne, crowned emperor of Rome and king of the Franks and Lombards, was the third ruler of the Carolingian Dynasty. He is also known as Charles the Great, and greatness certainly is a fitting word to describe his illustrious rule of 47 years.
He added huge tracts of land to the Frankish kingdom, reformed everything from administration to currency to language, and changed the dynamics between the church and state forever - a defining influence on the entirety of Europe during the Middle Ages.
In Charlemagne: A Captivating Guide to the Greatest Monarch of the Carolingian Empire and How He Ruled over the Franks, Lombards, and Romans, you will discover chapters, such as:
- Before the Great King
- Rise to Power
- Sibling Rivalry
- To the Pope’s Rescue
- The One Defeat
- The Burning of the Sacred Places
- More Conquests
- An Empire Rises
- And much, much more!
So, if you want to learn more about Charlemagne, scroll up and click the "buy now" button!
©2020 Captivating History (P)2020 Captivating HistoryListeners also enjoyed...
-
The Romanovs
- A Captivating Guide to the Last Imperial Dynasty to Rule Russia and the Impact the Romanov Family Had on Russian History
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An undoubtedly interesting, exciting, and dramatic chapter of Russian history was when it was ruled over by the Romanov dynasty. This powerful ruling family came to power shortly after the frightening rule of a legendary figure in Russian history: Ivan the Terrible. After murdering his own son and unborn grandson, Ivan died without an heir, resulting in the formation of a new dynasty. This was the Romanov family.
-
-
Excellent
- By Hugo 719 on 05-02-22
-
Vlad the Impaler
- A Captivating Guide to How Vlad III Dracula Became One of the Most Crucial Rulers of Wallachia and His Impact on the History of Romania
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The bulk of the audiobook will deal with what Vlad’s political career looked like, what wars he waged, and how his life eventually ended. But we’ll go one step beyond and cover some areas that historians don’t typically focus on. In addition to raw facts, we’ll also focus on what Vlad III’s character was, what drove him forward, and what his chief traits might have been.
-
-
Not what I thought it was going to be...
- By Lora Harrison on 11-30-23
-
American Lion
- Andrew Jackson in the White House
- By: Jon Meacham
- Narrated by: Richard McGonagle
- Length: 17 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Beloved and hated, venerated and reviled, Andrew Jackson was an orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, bending the nation to his will in the cause of democracy. Jackson's election in 1828 ushered in a new and lasting era in which the people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics. Democracy made its stand in the Jackson years, and he gave voice to the hopes and the fears of a restless, changing nation facing challenging times at home and threats abroad.
-
-
Unlikable Old Hickory
- By John M on 01-05-09
By: Jon Meacham
-
The Mughal Empire
- A Captivating Guide to the Mughal Empire in South Asia and the Impact the Mughals Had on the History of India
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Mughal Empire, also known as the Moghul Empire, lasted for about three centuries, and at its peak, it covered 3.2 million square kilometers, from the outer borders of the Indus Basin in the west to the highlands of Assam and Bangladesh in the east, and from Afghanistan and Kashmir in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south. The Mughal Empire also took the territories of what used to be known as Hindustan in the northern Indian subcontinent.
-
-
The Empire of the far east and time
- By Kiaf on 03-14-25
-
The Mongol Invasions
- A Captivating Guide to the Mongol Invasions and Conquests along with the Life of Genghis Khan
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Mongols were known to be both merciful as well as tolerant. Moreover, their conquests weren’t aimed against civilized life; in fact, they helped connect numerous cultures and facilitated the spread of ideas and knowledge across the continent. Diving deep inside their culture and society, we’ll cast off their barbaric image. By the end of this guide of the Mongol conquests, you will get a better understanding of not only the history of the Mongols but of all of humankind as well.
-
-
Great Overview of Mongol History
- By D. Buxman on 07-06-20
-
History of Armenia
- A Captivating Guide to Armenian History, Starting from Ancient Armenia to Its Declaration of Sovereignty from the Soviet Union
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the captivating history of Armenia, then pay attention...The tale of Armenia has its beginnings as a glorious ancient kingdom, one that commanded the respect of nations as mighty as Egypt and Babylonia. For a long and ugly part of its history, Armenia struggled under the yokes of one empire after another. Yet through it all, Armenia, time and time again, emerged as a nation with a powerful identity, one that caused much grief over the years, but one that still remains a pillar of strength to its people in good times and in bad.
-
-
Enjoyed
- By Carol Strube on 10-14-24
-
The Romanovs
- A Captivating Guide to the Last Imperial Dynasty to Rule Russia and the Impact the Romanov Family Had on Russian History
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An undoubtedly interesting, exciting, and dramatic chapter of Russian history was when it was ruled over by the Romanov dynasty. This powerful ruling family came to power shortly after the frightening rule of a legendary figure in Russian history: Ivan the Terrible. After murdering his own son and unborn grandson, Ivan died without an heir, resulting in the formation of a new dynasty. This was the Romanov family.
-
-
Excellent
- By Hugo 719 on 05-02-22
-
Vlad the Impaler
- A Captivating Guide to How Vlad III Dracula Became One of the Most Crucial Rulers of Wallachia and His Impact on the History of Romania
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The bulk of the audiobook will deal with what Vlad’s political career looked like, what wars he waged, and how his life eventually ended. But we’ll go one step beyond and cover some areas that historians don’t typically focus on. In addition to raw facts, we’ll also focus on what Vlad III’s character was, what drove him forward, and what his chief traits might have been.
-
-
Not what I thought it was going to be...
- By Lora Harrison on 11-30-23
-
American Lion
- Andrew Jackson in the White House
- By: Jon Meacham
- Narrated by: Richard McGonagle
- Length: 17 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Beloved and hated, venerated and reviled, Andrew Jackson was an orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, bending the nation to his will in the cause of democracy. Jackson's election in 1828 ushered in a new and lasting era in which the people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics. Democracy made its stand in the Jackson years, and he gave voice to the hopes and the fears of a restless, changing nation facing challenging times at home and threats abroad.
-
-
Unlikable Old Hickory
- By John M on 01-05-09
By: Jon Meacham
-
The Mughal Empire
- A Captivating Guide to the Mughal Empire in South Asia and the Impact the Mughals Had on the History of India
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Mughal Empire, also known as the Moghul Empire, lasted for about three centuries, and at its peak, it covered 3.2 million square kilometers, from the outer borders of the Indus Basin in the west to the highlands of Assam and Bangladesh in the east, and from Afghanistan and Kashmir in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south. The Mughal Empire also took the territories of what used to be known as Hindustan in the northern Indian subcontinent.
-
-
The Empire of the far east and time
- By Kiaf on 03-14-25
-
The Mongol Invasions
- A Captivating Guide to the Mongol Invasions and Conquests along with the Life of Genghis Khan
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 7 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Mongols were known to be both merciful as well as tolerant. Moreover, their conquests weren’t aimed against civilized life; in fact, they helped connect numerous cultures and facilitated the spread of ideas and knowledge across the continent. Diving deep inside their culture and society, we’ll cast off their barbaric image. By the end of this guide of the Mongol conquests, you will get a better understanding of not only the history of the Mongols but of all of humankind as well.
-
-
Great Overview of Mongol History
- By D. Buxman on 07-06-20
-
History of Armenia
- A Captivating Guide to Armenian History, Starting from Ancient Armenia to Its Declaration of Sovereignty from the Soviet Union
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the captivating history of Armenia, then pay attention...The tale of Armenia has its beginnings as a glorious ancient kingdom, one that commanded the respect of nations as mighty as Egypt and Babylonia. For a long and ugly part of its history, Armenia struggled under the yokes of one empire after another. Yet through it all, Armenia, time and time again, emerged as a nation with a powerful identity, one that caused much grief over the years, but one that still remains a pillar of strength to its people in good times and in bad.
-
-
Enjoyed
- By Carol Strube on 10-14-24
-
Churchill and Roosevelt
- A Captivating Guide to the Life of Franklin and Winston
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Duke Holm, Sean Daily
- Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two captivating manuscripts in one audiobook: Winston Churchill: A Captivating Guide to the Life of Winston S. Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt: A Captivating Guide to the Life of FDR. Any general biography of Churchill and Roosevelt will provide an overview of their greatest achievements, but Winston and Franklin had other goals and desires that are often ignored and forgotten. What were they? They each had a family - a childhood and children of their own - and a phenomenal political career.
-
-
Could be better
- By John F. Gallagher on 06-24-20
-
Wessex
- A Captivating Guide to an Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of England and Its Rulers such as Alfred the Great, Edward the Elder, and Athelstan
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 3 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Wessex was created through conquest by the Germanic tribe known as the Gewisse. For the following 500 years, this kingdom went through various transformations. Some even argue that those transformations were nothing more than the natural development of a society. However, while the other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms prospered and rose to be a significant power in the region, just to fall from grace and be consumed in the events of the period, Wessex pressed on.
-
-
Academic and emotional appreciation for this book
- By Gretchen on 10-10-23
-
The Crusades
- A Captivating Guide to the Military Expeditions during the Middle Ages That Departed from Europe with the Goal to Free Jerusalem and Aid Christianity in the Holy Land
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It could be said that European kings and nobles in the Middle Ages were Crusade mad. The enormous amount of fighting men who periodically sailed off to the Near East to do battle with Muslims are evidence of the widespread popularity of overseas adventurism at the time. The notion of a Crusade, in which large armies assembled from various regions of Europe for the purpose of doing battle with Turkish and Arab Muslims, became so fixed that it was expanded to include Crusades against heretical European Christian sects.
-
-
Difficult to follow
- By A Reyes on 05-23-23
-
The Roman Republic: A Captivating Guide to the Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic, SPQR and Roman Politicians Such as Julius Caesar and Cicero
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Duke Holm
- Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When we think of ancient Rome, the first notion that comes to mind is the one of the empire, followed by the image of a mighty emperor, his legions, colossal buildings, and the Gladiators (or the rhetoric and poetry, depending on your preferences). Some may recall the image of a “unified” Europe under a single sovereign - the emperor of Rome. However, Rome did not become remarkable at this considerably late phase. In fact, many historians see the history of Rome under the Emperors as a long, gradual decline. It was during the republic that Rome gained an empire.
-
-
SERIOUSLY bad, 3rd grade reading level.
- By Jake on 02-26-19
-
The Norman Conquest
- A Captivating Guide to the Normans and the Invasion of England by William the Conqueror, Including Events Such as the Battle of Stamford Bridge and the Battle of Hastings
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 3 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The year 1066 CE is one of the largest turning points in British history, with most people today having heard of the Battle of Hastings. The year had begun with the death of Edward the Confessor, a man who would be one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings. In the end, the course of the kingdom's history would shift as William the Bastard became William the Conqueror.
-
-
Complex historical events made understandable
- By Phylis Tompkin on 03-08-20
-
The Middle Ages
- A Captivating Guide to the History of Europe, Starting from the Fall of the Western Roman Empire Through the Black Death to the Beginning of the Renaissance
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Richard L Walton
- Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the captivating history of the Middle Ages, then pay attention...One of the least understood periods of European history occurred between the 6th century and the 14th or 15th century (depending on which historian you ask). Commonly called the Middle Ages, this was a time period of extreme change for Europe, beginning with the fall of the Western Roman Empire. To a continent that had seen a drastic shift in the power structure, the world seemed to be particularly harsh. Rome had been a major player across Europe for well over a millennium. Then it was gone.
-
Ancient Rome: A Captivating Introduction to the Roman Republic, the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Timothy Burke
- Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Roman civilization is probably the single most important civilization in the history of the planet. Its expansion defined Europe. Its constitution shaped societies from Russia in the east to the United States and Latin America in the west. Not even its conquerors were immune to the superior Roman culture. In this new captivating history book, you’ll learn all you need to know about Roman institutions and politics.
-
-
Waste of time
- By Dale Hastert on 10-11-18
-
The Holy Roman Empire
- A Captivating Guide to the Union of Smaller Kingdoms That Started During the Early Middle Ages and Dissolved During the Napoleonic Wars
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Beginning with Charlemagne, the great and educated king who would serve as an inspiration for world leaders from Frederick II to Adolf Hitler, the Holy Roman Empire’s intricate ties with the Roman Catholic Church would provide for plenty of excitement and drama in its early years. However, as the empire staggered through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, it would eventually be forced to declare its allegiance with a new way of thinking: Protestantism.
-
-
a captivating guide to the holy Roman Empire
- By Anonymous User on 08-13-22
-
Achaemenid Empire: A Captivating Guide to the First Persian Empire Founded by Cyrus the Great, and How This Empire of Ancient Persia Fought Against the Ancient Greeks in the Greco-Persian Wars
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Duke Holm
- Length: 1 hr and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If ranked by population percentage, the Achaemenid Empire, also known as the First Persian Empire, is the largest Empire the world has ever seen with 44 percent of the world’s population belonging to it. But despite its remarkable conquests, riches, and astonishing achievements in fields such as engineering, the Achaemenid Empire has remained shrouded in mystery. But that is about to change. In this new captivating history audiobook, you will discover the truth about this startling empire.
-
-
Excellent research!
- By Ban on 06-25-19
-
Holy Roman Empire
- A Captivating Guide to the Holy Roman Empire and Carolingian Dynasty
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the captivating history of the Holy Roman Empire, then pay attention... Two captivating manuscripts in one audiobook: The Holy Roman Empire and The Carolingian Empire. Throughout the story of the Holy Roman Empire, a wealth of fascinating tales from interesting people proliferates. Monks and emperors will clash, poets sing the praises of kings, and the pope rides blind and bareback on a frightened donkey through the streets of Rome.
-
-
It is destined to be the definitive work
- By Kallie on 11-21-19
-
Armenian History
- A Captivating Guide to the History of Armenia and the Armenian Genocide
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the captivating history of Armenian history, then pay attention. Their story is tragic, but their survival is incredible. And that is what makes their tale so inspiring.
-
-
Christian Armenian population
- By Timothy Harris on 05-18-20
-
Hannibal Barca: A Captivating Guide to the Carthaginian General Who Fought in the Second Punic War Between Carthage and Ancient Rome
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Jason Zenobia
- Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the names most synonymous with brilliant military strategy is Hannibal. He was the legendary Carthaginian general who marched elephants over the snowy Alps and took on Rome, the growing power in Europe at the time. He outsmarted the best strategists that Rome had to offer and twice sat in front of the gates of Rome with his army. There was never any doubt that Hannibal would serve his country in the military, but no one could have predicted just how well. Even centuries later, Romans used the phrase “Hannibal’s at the gates!” as a way of indicating misfortune or fear.
-
-
Nice and succinct
- By Tally D Lykins on 04-28-22
What listeners say about Charlemagne
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- lawrence theriot
- 01-25-23
Excellent
Concise history good narrative well read good length interesting details. Plan to read others in the series
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sherry Maldonado
- 10-01-20
Biography and background history
It's a book for the serious amateur historian or anyone with mild inquisitiveness. I especially enjoyed the narrative and analysis of what happened to Charlemagne's heritage and legend after his death. He grew into a mythic figure, and then an iconic logo for a rather diverse series of political and religious descendants. Well worth the time for even random stuff.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Melissa R Camp
- 09-30-20
A historical documentary
The work is good and I learned a wonderful deal about Charlemagne and his times, but the audible is a scholarly documentary, not light content to follow!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Alpha Campbell
- 09-26-20
Introduction to a legend
This is an excellent historical account of the dynamism of a comprehensive leader. A must-listen for all scholars of history.
Most enjoyable.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Bernard K Best
- 09-28-20
Interesting and historical perspectives
The content is wealthy with a historical perspective on the person and age of Charles. His involvement with the world of his age is engrossing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jean L Marquez
- 09-28-20
The arch of the life of Charlemagne
The content is wealthy with a historical perspective on the person and age of Charles. His involvement with the world of his age is engrossing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Shirley H Zeman
- 09-29-20
A Very Good Work.....
This audiobook is a very thorough and straightforward narrative of Charlemagne’s life. Highly recommended for all.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Arabella Madden
- 09-28-20
Excellent overview in a quite unbiased fashion.
Charlemagne is one of the most engaging and most influential figures of the Middle Ages. I was expecting some insight into his character, a convincing story. It is comprehensive in detail, but I don't have any more of a mental or emotional picture of the man than I did before I listen to it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jason D Mullin
- 09-30-20
Good Classic Work.
Presumably the classic biography of Charlemagne. Likely a bit heavy for a casual listener, but it did change some of my preconceived ideas of the man founded on the earlier listening.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Suzanne Hunter
- 10-01-20
Ccomplete history of the man, the times,
It is a very well-written entertaining history of Charlemagne. The author has an informal modern style that makes the enjoyable listening of what can be rather tough going in other books.
He provides a lot of information and authentic sources, so the writing technique is not at the cost of information.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!