The talisman
The Talisman of Charles the Great is a gold talisman in Carolingian style, occupied with pearls and red and green stones, possibly rubies or spinels and emeralds.
The gold chain is from a later date, but the Talisman itself dates back to the 9th century. It is unclear whether he has indeed been from Charlemagne; possibly his successors have made the talisman. In later centuries, many objects from the seventh to eleventh century were associated with Charles the Great.
The Talisman is also a Relief Holder. The glass heart of the talisman contains two pieces of wood in a cross shape. It concerns relics of the Holy Cross, wood particles that are supposed to be derived from the cross of Christ. This relic would have given the Talisman a great magic power.
The Talisman is a gift of the calf of Baghdad, Haro Ar-Rashid, according to tradition. However, the gold smith is not Arabic. The talisman would be found in the emperor's heart in 1166, at the opening of the sarcophagus of Charles the Great in Aachen. The smallholding and the chain have been in the palace of Tau in Reims since 1919.
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