Charlemagne is euphorically invoked regularly, and not only when the Charlemagne Prize is awarded. Even sober historians like to sing the praises of the "Father of Europe" and praise Charlemagne as a mediator of ancient culture and learning. And yet Charles did not found a single public school, promote a single scientific discipline, open a single theatre or finance a single public library. Before and after him, urban culture lies on the ground, people live in miserable wooden shacks, defecate in the streets, and Paris resembles a rubbish dump. Instead of education, science and culture, Karl's actions and laws are all too often experienced as an unforgiving theology that blatantly threatens: "Those who want to remain heathens shall die". This is one of the reasons why he waged wars throughout his life, promoted bishops and monasteries to the best of his ability and was beatified and even canonised by the Church in return. Charles is neither a "lighthouse" nor the "father of Europe". His thoughts and actions stand in stark contrast to everything that gives Europe face and colour. It has nothing whatsoever to do with Europe as we understand it today, with the capacity for democratic discourse, with criticism and compromise, with tolerance, with cultural diversity and free thinking.
