How would one be able to survive injuries like that back then with the primitive medicine they had? With these kinds of injuries, how was Leo able to even perform the crowning? Even though this part of the coronation excerpt seems questionable, his portrayal of Charlemagne is not. There is very little room for doubt seeing as both were actually good friends. Charles was noted to say that he would not have even entered the church if he knew of the intentions that Leo despite it being the most celebrated feasts of the Christian calendar#. Another reason for this is that seeing as how Charlemagne had a surprise coronation on Christmas day in the year 800 and that he was a dedicated follower of the Christian Church, it was the perfect timing because Charles was eventually going to be in the church for mass#. Yes he did save Leo from the people of Rome# but did not expect this thanks in return. Charlemagne seemed content with his leadership and for him to earn another title, and not just any title but the Emperor of Rome itself, was not needed#. Charles only started using the title several months after the coronation# The only real reason to take the crown was to be noticed as an equal by the Byzantine Emperor#. This was not needed to show the power that Charles wielded. Then why would Pontiff Leo crown Charlemagne? Because the Pope needed his protection from the Roman people#. With the most powerful man at that time with three reigning titles to his name, who would want to mess with Leo with that kind of support or back up?.
The Royal Frankish Annals tells of a different reaction that Charlemagne had towards his coronation by the Pontiff Leo. The Annals provide us with a telling of the histories of the Carolingian culture especially with regards to its political, diplomatic, and military history from 741-829#. Not only that but also a great source for the reign of Charlemagne because his years are ruler falls right into these dates.
