Staubach:Rex christianus: Das Herrscher

Charles II, known as "the Bald," King of France and Holy Roman Emperor, who was more mindful than any other medieval ruler of commemorating his birthday on June 13, 823, has not received significant attention for his twelve-hundredth anniversary. Although his traditional negative image has brightened over time, his historical significance remains underappreciated. To assert himself in the competition among the Carolingian rulers, he skillfully and effectively utilized media and motifs of representation and propaganda. This included, in addition to his patronage in science, art, and literature, the reception of the ancient royal ideal, which was adapted in Christian patristics and the early Middle Ages, explaining the self-presentation in a model-forming manner as the most important ruler function. In close cooperation with episcopal aides, Charles consistently played his role as "Christian King," while simultaneously laying the foundation for the symbolic capital of the French monarchy: from "Rex christianus" there is a direct path to "Rex christianissimus.".