Carolingian Empire
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| Map of Francia |
The Carolingian name is derived from the dynasty’s common usage of the name Charles and refers to Charles Martel (688-741), remembered today for his leadership in repelling the expansion of the Moors into Gaul, and to Charlemagne, King of the Franks (r. 768-814) and Holy Roman Emperor (r. 800-814). Charlemagne’s coronation in 800 as Emperor of the Romans established the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire, although this terminology is anachronistic and was not standardized until the 12th century.
The Carolingian kings and emperors dominated the politics of Central
Europe in their time but faced constant challenges to their rule.
Despite its powerful height, the Carolingian Dynasty succumbed to
succession disputes, civil war, and territorial partitions in the mid-9th century. The partitions established the political basis for the Holy Roman Empire as well as modern France, Germany, and Italy. The Carolingian Dynasty’s
territorial expansion, policies, and relationship with the medieval church are often viewed as foundational in the development of modern Europe.
(www.worldhistory.org/Carolingian_Dynasty/)
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| Map of Carolingian Empire in the time of Charlemagne |
Charles Martel (686-741)
Charles Martel was born in Herstal, Frankia (Belgium) in 686. His father, Pepin II of Herstal, was Mayor of Austrasia - the north eastern kingdom of Frankia. As Charles was illegitimate, he initially did not inherit land when his father died. In fact he was imprisoned to prevent him from making a claim. A group of nobles helped Charles to escape and he eventually gained control as Mayor of not only Austrasia but also of Neustria.
Much of Charles' rule was spent fighting against Islamic armies, firstly in Aquitaine which was invaded by an Islamic army in 732. Charles with his army and cavalry then fought and won many other battles against invading forces. His military prowess earned him the nickname, The Hammer.
There was generally peace for the last four years of Charles' life. He was de facto leader of the Franks from 737 until he died on 22 October 741.
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| Charles Martel in the Battle of Tours |
Charles Martel married Rotrude of Treves and they had two sons and three daughters. He then married Swanhild and they had one son. There were also a number of illegitimate children. Charles divided his realm between his two older sons, Carloman and Pepin the Younger (Pepin III).
Pepin III 
Between 800 and 888 the Carolingian Empire was dominated by the Franks
in western and central Europe. The Carolingian Dynasty had ruled as
kings of the Franks since 751 and as kings of the Lombards in Italy from
774. In 800, the Frankish king Charlemagne was crowned emperor in
Rome by Pope Leo III in order to transfer the Roman Empire from the
Byzantine Empire in eastern Europe to western Europe.
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| https://europeanroyalhistory.wordpress.com/tag/pepin-iii-the-short/ |
Pepin III nicknamed the Short (c. 714 – September 24, 768), also called
the Younger was King of the Franks from 751 until his death in 768 was the first Carolingian to become king. He was the son of Charles Martel and Rotrude of Treves. Pepin and his brother, Carloman, received an ecclesiastical
education from the monks of St. Denis. Pepin succeeded his
father as the Mayor of the Palace in 741 and ruled Francia
jointly with his elder brother Carloman. Pepin ruled in Neustria,
Burgundy, and Provence, while his older brother Carloman ruled Austrasia, Alemannia, and Thuringia.
The two brothers suppressed revolts led by the
Bavarians, Aquitanians, Saxons, and the Alemanni (German tribes) during the early years of
their reign. In 743 they chose Childeric III, the last Merovingian monarch, as figurehead
King of the Franks.
In 747 Carloman entered a monastery in Montecassino, Italy and Pepin became the sole ruler of Francia with the backing of Pope Zacharias. Between 749 and 750 Pepin consolidated his authority and received . oaths of allegiance from his many vassals. In 751 he was also declared king of the Franks.
In October 753 when the Lombard army that was threatening Rome, the Pope travelled to Frankia to seek assistance from the Franks. In 755 Pepin led an army into Italy which eventually defeated the Lombards, restoring the authority of the Pope to the territory.
Other military campaigns included removing the Saracens from Narbonne in 759 and after eight years of warfare, Pepin won full control over Aquileia in Italy. Successful military campaigns in 753
and 758 led to the conquest of Saxony and quelled an uprising in Bavaria. Pepin III therefore managed to complete the military tasks planned by his father, Charles Martel.
Pepin’s reign was also a time for reform of the church establishing order within the previously disorganized Frankish church. Frankish
prelates pledged obedience to the Pope, priests wore uniform attire, and the rules of Saint Benedict were adopted, outlining the standards for leading a Christian life.
Pepin’s brother, Bishop Remigius, brought priests from Rome to teach the Frankish clergy the Roman style of singing in church. The importance of monasteries and the church increased.
Pepin also restructured the court and introduced the position of a chamberlain to guard the
treasury as well as monitor income from fines, customs, and taxes. Pepin instigated monetary reform. He also promoted literacy, culture, and art leading to what became known as the Carolingian Renaissance.
In 748 Pepin III married Berthe (Berthrada) of Laon and they had seven children (four of them died young).
Pepin III died in 768 at the age of 54 and his body was laid to rest in
Saint-Denis. Pepin divided the kingdom between his sons Charlemagne and Carloman. Charlemagne would eventually become the Holy Roman Emperor.
Pepin the Short: the first Carolingian King - Culture Frontier
Kingdom of East Francia - European Royal History
