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Quiz for Primary Source 8.3: Charlemagne and His Wife

Question

1. Which of these best characterizes the apparent relationship of Charlemagne to his wife in the illumination?

Equal partners in both family and public life

Two lovers exchanging tokens of affection

A superior instructing or reprimanding an inferior

Participants in a political alliance

Correct. The answer is c. The fact that Charlemagne was depicted as much larger than his wife underscores his dominant position in their relationship.

Incorrect. The answer is c. The fact that Charlemagne was depicted as much larger than his wife underscores his dominant position in their relationship.

Question

2. From Charlemagne’s perspective, which of these factors likely was most important in his selection of a wife?

His bride-to-be’s moral and religious character

The political alliance conferred by the match

The beauty of the prospective bride

His bride-to-be’s intellectual accomplishments

Correct. The answer is b. Charlemagne chose wives who would help him cement his political ties to other Frankish tribes.

Incorrect. The answer is b. Charlemagne chose wives who would help him cement his political ties to other Frankish tribes.