Einhard

Einhard (born around 770, died 14 March, 840, at Seligenstadt, Germany).

Einhard, a Frank, was a dedicated servant of Charlemagne and indeed wrote a biography of Charlemagne about 10 years after Charlemagne's death. This biography, the Vita Caroli Magni or "Life of Charlemagne" provides much direct information about Charlemagne's life and character. Einhard's literary model was Suetonius'? great "Lives of the Caesars."

Einhard was from the eastern part of the Frankish kingdom, the portion that is still German speaking. He was educated at Fulda? and then at the court of Charlemagne. He evidently was a talented builder and manager of construction, because Charlemagne put him in charge of the completion of several palace complexes including Aachen and Ingelheim.