Historians speculate, The Song of Roland or La Chanson de Roland was written at the end of the eleventh century. It's considered the most renown, French, chanson de geste, and the most ancient. The song was also one the first Medieval works. However, its author, is unknown. Some, give credit to Turoldus, as the author of the song. (gradesaver.htm) .
King Charlemagne, reigned in France, during this time. He was considered an elderly Christian leader, who ruled with warmth and compassion. His kingdom was established on the feudal system. Charlemagne, had a vassal relationship with his knights, owned all the land in the country, and the people of his country, paid taxes, directly to him. Roland, was his nephew and they had great admiration for each other. (sparknotes.html).
The setting took place with Charlemagne and his council on an excursion to Spain, due to a confrontation with King Marsilion, a Muslim ruler, in Saragossa, Spain. Charlemagne, had easily and decisively conquered all his enemies, except for the Muslims in Saragossa. King Marisilion, offers a false truce hoping to entrap and kill the song's protagonist, Roland, his best friend, Oliver and Archbishop Turpin, a noble subject to the king. Charlemagne, met with his twelve council members to try and determine if they should, except or reject the offer. There were several differences of opinion and the outcome resulted in the excursion to Saragossa, Spain. Of course, Roland, Oliver and Archbishop Turpin volunteered to be ambassadors, between the two nations, however, Charlemagne, rejected their offer. Roland's stepfather, Ganelon, ambassador to Charlemagne, was nominated by Roland, and Chalemagne, elected, him to represent, France. Ganelon, protests, due to the fact that the last, ambassadors were, beheaded. He then plotted a revengeful attack against Roland and the French army. He ingeniously employed the Saracen army, as a strategic weapon to carry out his plan of vengeance.