Aspremont is a 12th century chanson de geste, with 11, 376 verses. In this tale, the African Saracen king Agolant and his son Helmont invade Calabria and defy Charlemagne through their messenger Balant. Charlemagne's troops come to fight them, but Charlemagne's nephew Roland is not allowed to join the battle due to his young age. The armies reach Aspromonte, and Charlemagne's paladins Naimes and Girart de Fraite prove their worth. In the end, Charlemagne is saved by Roland who defeats Helmont and his uncle forgives him his disobedience. In gratitude, Charlemagne gives Roland Helmont's horse (Veillantif) and sword (Durandal). In the end, Agolant dies and Charlemagne returns in triumph, although future battles with a disloyal Girart de Fraite are predicted. Charlemagne (742-814 AD) was King of the Franks from 768 and Emperor of the Romans (Imperator Romanorum) from 800 to his death in 814. His rule is also associated with the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of art, religion, and culture through the medium of the Catholic Church.