Charlemagne aimed to culturally revive the Roman Empire during his reign through architecture, sculpture, metalwork and illuminated manuscripts. His palace in Aachen, Germany was the center of the Carolingian Empire, though today only the Palatine Chapel remains. Illuminated manuscripts were handwritten books decorated with miniature illustrations, initials, and borders to enhance the text.

1. CAROLINGIAN
ART

2.  Charlemagne aimed to reestablish the cultural splendor of the
old Roman Empire. During his reign there was a cultural
renaissance  an increase of literature, architecture, sculpture….
 Inspired in Roman culture.
Carolingian artistic achievements
 Architecture  Charlemagne’s palace in Aachen (Germany).
 Scultpure  small sculptures (e.g.: Charlemagne on horseback).
 Metalwork
 Painting  Illuminated manuscript

3. ARCHITECTURE

4. Charlemagne’s Palace in
Aachen (Germany)
 Formed by a group of
buildings with residential,
political & religious
purposes.
 Center of power of the
Carolingian Empire.
 Today most of it has
disappeared. Only the
Palatine Chapel remains.
Council Hall Thermae
Palatine Chape
Main door
Hot Springs
Emperor’s private
residence
Treasure
Hall

5. The Palatine Chapel was the basis for today’s Aachen
Cathedral.

6. The Palatine Chapel was the basis for today’s Aachen
Cathedral.

7. Octagonal plan
Exterior

8. Interior of the
Palatine Chapel

9. Octagonal dome covered
with mosaics
Semicircular arches

10. Charlemagne’s throne

11. SCULPTURE

12. Small sculptures
Charlemagne’s sculpture
in bronze (24 cm high)
Ivory plaque, probably of a
book cover.

13. METALWORK

15. PAINTING 
illuminated manuscripts

16. ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS  hand-written books in
which the text was enhanced with different decorations
(miniature illustrations, initials, borders…).

18. Activities
a) Where was Charlemagne’s Palace located?
What is the only part that remains today?
b) What are Illuminated manuscrpits?