[Illustration: _After an engraving in Green's History of England_ WORK COPYING MANUSCRIPT, 1200 A. D.] CHARLES THE GREAT, RULER OF THE FRANKS =297. Charlemagne.= While the Germans were still moving into the Roman Empire the Franks had set up a government under Clovis. They had become Christians and lived on friendly terms with the church. They grew strong and settled down to a more orderly and quiet way of living. Their first great king, Charles Martel, the Hammer, checked the invasion of the Mohammedans at Tours (732), and again Europe and Christianity were saved. But the greatest of all the leaders of the Franks was Charlemagne, the grandson of Charles Martel, for he was not only a great conqueror but a wise and able ruler. [Illustration: CHARLES THE GREAT AT THE SCHOOL OF THE PALACE] Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, was by far the most famous man of his time. He seemed to be a happy fusion of Germanic strength and Roman learning. He was tall and strong, with large, bright eyes, fair hair, and a face round and laughing. He exercised much, riding, hunting, and swimming. He liked the Frankish costume: "... next to his skin a linen shirt and linen breeches, and above these a tunic fringed with silk; while hose fastened by bands covered his lower limbs, and shoes his feet, and he shielded his shoulders and chest in winter by a close-fitting coat of otter or marten skin. Over all he cast a blue coat: always too he had a sword girt about him." [Sidenote: =Character of Charles=] [Sidenote: =The School of the Palace=] Charles ate and drank with care, never taking too much of either food or drink. During his meals his attendants entertained him with reading and music. He liked the stories and deeds of the olden time and the books of Augustine. He was a good speaker, easily understood. He loved learning, but had little education himself. He had the famous School of the Palace in his own home to educate his own children and those of the nobles. Wise teachers like Peter of Pisa, and Alcuin of England were brought to his court. He helped the priests in their study and in building schools. Charles loved the church and gave much to aid its educational and religious work. He really brought learning to the people. [Sidenote: =Charlemagne's wars=] Charles the Great was for three years ruler with his father (768-771), then sole ruler until 814. His kingdom was surrounded on all sides by fierce enemies. Most of his long rule was taken up in fighting the wild Germans to the north and east, the Arabs in Spain, or the Lombards and others to protect the church in Italy. He was a great warrior. Before his death he had brought most of western Europe under his rule. [Sidenote: =Crowned Emperor of Rome=]