The students should have some general knowledge of the Dark Ages and monarchs. This lesson is comprised of a few activities. To begin the students watch a brief video on Charlemagne. After they are done, they will read a short biography of Charlemagne. The students' task is to appoint their own royal court. 10 noble's biographies are included. The students are to pick 5 advisors (economic, political, religious, military, foreign affairs) from the 10 nobles and explain their choices. Once they are done they will write a short diary entry, explaining what it would have been like to be Charlemagne and appoint the court. Please feel free to modify to suit your needs.