We know a good deal about Charles the Great because we have two biographies of him written by men who were close to him. The more important of these is by Einhard. Einhard describes Charles as being moderately tall (around six feet tall) and powerfully built with a thick neck and deep chest. He had the red hair and blue eyes of his tribe and was possessed of both strength and stamina. He was typical of the Franks in his love for hunting and for feasting, but Einhard notes that his king drank in moderation--a mere three cups of wine with a meal. Charlemagne was an ambitious king, aggressive and ruthless, but equally notable was his perseverance, his ability to carry thr