Charlemagne, Emperor Of Holy Roman Empire, King of the Franks

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• AFN: 9GCC-89

Notes:

Charlemagne, Emperor Of The Holy Roman Empire, King of the Franks was king of the Franks from AD 768 to 814 and "Emperor of the Romans" from 800 to 814. He became a key figure in the development of western Europe's medieval civilization. By his almost constant military campaigns, Charlemagne created a vast empire in the West which included much of the western part of the old Roman Empire as well as some new territory. He was the first Germanic ruler to assume the title of emperor, and the "empire" he revived lasted in one form or another for a thousand years. Culturally and politically, he left his mark on the newly rising civilization of the West. Probably no ruler of the early Middle Ages better deserved the title of "The Great."

Charlemagne was the son of Pepin the Short, and the grandson of Charles Martel. From 768 to 771, Charlemagne shared Pepin's kingdom with his brother, Carloman. When Carloman died, Charlemagne became sole ruler. He took up with energy the work begun by his father and grandfather. His first step was to repress his hostile neighbors. Charlemagne gained wide acclaim for his outstanding military ability, persistence, and success. He waged more than 50 campaigns against neighboring Germanic peoples on all sides, and against the Avars, Slavs, Byzantines, and Moors.

Charlemagne's first great war was against the Lombards, a Germanic people who had invaded Italy in the late 500's. They had been a source of trouble to the popes ever since. In conquering them, Charlemagne followed Pepin's policy of friendship and cooperation with the Roman Catholic Church. This also served Charlemagne's own interests, because he became ruler of the Lombard kingdom in
Italy.

The long Saxon war was the most important of Charlemagne's military ventures. The Saxons, who held the whole northwestern part of Germany, were pagans. Their defeat after 30 years of war prepared the way for the religious conversion and civilization of Germany.

By means of other wars, Charlemagne put down a rebellion in Aquitaine, added Bavaria to his kingdom, and established several border states to protect his outlying conquests. In eastern Europe, he defeated the Slavs and Avars and made possible eastward migration by the Germans. Charlemagne had built a vast and sprawling state that shared borders with such different peoples as the Slavs, Byzantines, and Moslems. He defended the Roman Catholic Church and constantly extended its power. He was far more powerful than the imperial successors of Constantine, the first Christian emperor in the West, and he ruled a much more extensive area. Because of his great holdings, he decided to revive the Roman Empire, but as a new empire that was European and Christian in Character. The relations of the popes with the Byzantine, or Eastern Roman, emperors in Canstantinople had been breaking down since the middle 700's. An alliance between the Roman Catholic Church and the Franks, accomplished by proclaiming Charlemagne emperor, made good sense. Pope Leo III placed the imperial crown on Charlemagne's head on Christmas Day, 800. The most important effect of this act was that it revived the idea of empire in the West, an idea which caused both harm and good in succeeding centuries.

Einhard, Charlemagne's secretary and friend, described the emperor as large and strong of body, fond of active exercise, genial but dignified, and sensible and moderate in his way of life. Charlemagne clearly recognized his duties and responsibilities, and was a tireless worker. He could not reverse the long trend toward decentralized government. But he could and did control the power of the nobles and maintain a considerable degree of law and order in a troubled age. His administrative methods helped raise the standard of living.

Charlemagne's greatest contribution was his work as a patron of culture and extender of civilization. The Palace School, set up at his capital in Aachen under the leadership of the English scholar Alcuin (735-804), stimulated interest in education, philosophy, and literature. Most of the leading scholars were churchman, so this vast cultural activity greatly strengthened the church and had far-reaching and lasting results. In this way, Charlemagne, by means of his power and eminence, gave western Europe a unified culture so strong that it survived the terrible invasions and disorders of the next 200 years.
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Reference:
"The World Book Encyclopedia", 1968, C291-292.
"Ancestral Roots of Certain American Colonists ...", Frederick Lewis Weis, 1993, p cvi.

Charlemagne, — Regina (Reginopycrha), [Concubine 3]. Regina was born Abt 769, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia. [Group Sheet]

1. Drogo, Bishop Of Metz was born Abt 791, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died 4 Dec 855/856.
2. Hugo "L'Abbe", Bastard Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 793, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died 3 Jun 844.
3. Adelinda, Bastard Of Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 795, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia.

Charlemagne, married Desiderata (Sibilla), Empress Holy Roman Empir 769; divorced Yes, date unknown. Desiderata was born Abt 754, Lombardy, Italy. [Group Sheet]

Charlemagne, married Hildegard, Countess Of Vinzgau Abt 771, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia. Hildegard, (daughter of Gerold I Duke Swabia and Imma Duchess Of Swabia) was born Abt 756, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died 26 Apr 783, , Thionville, Moselle, France; was buried St Arnoul Abbey, Metz, Austrasia, France. [Group Sheet]

1. Charles, Emperor Of Holy Roman Empir was born 771, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died 30 Nov 811.
2. Pippin (Carloman), King Italy was born Mar 773, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; was christened , Rome, Italy; died 4 Jul 810, , Milan, Milan, Italy.
3. Adelheid, Princess Of Holy Roman Empir was born 773, Of, Pavie, Italy; died Jul 774.
4. Rotrud, Princess Of Holy Roman Empir was born Jul 774, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died 2 Jun 810.
5. Bertha, Princess Of Holy Roman Empir was born 774, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died 7 Mar 826.
6. Louis I "The Pious" Holy Roman Empire was born Jul 778, Casseneuil, Lot-et-Garonne, France; died 16 Jun 840, Near, Ingelheim, Rhinehessen, Hesse; was buried Aachen Cathedral, Aachen, Rheinland, Prussia.
7. Lothaire, Prince Of Holy Roman Empir was born Jul 778, Casseneuil, Lot-et-Garonne, France; died Jul 778.
8. Gisele, Princess Of Holy Roman Empir was born 780, Milano, Lombardy, Italy.
9. Hildegard, Princess Of Holy Roman Empir was born 781, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died 5 Jun 783.

Charlemagne, married Fastrada, Countess Of France 782, , Worms. Fastrada, was born Abt 762, , France; died 6 Apr 794, , Frankfurt, Hessen-Nassau, Prussia; was buried Meinz Cathedral. [Group Sheet]

1. Theodrade, Princess Of Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 783, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died Abt 783.
2. Hiltrude, Princess Of Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 785, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia.

Charlemagne, married Luitgard Queen Of France Aft 793/795. Luitgard was born Abt 773, , Allemania, Germany; died 31 May 800, Tours, Indre-Et-Loire, France; was buried St Martin, Meurthe-et-Mosel, France. [Group Sheet]

Charlemagne, — Himiltrud. Himiltrud was born Abt 745, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia. [Group Sheet]

1. Pepin "The Hunchback", Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 768, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died 810.
2. Rothais (Rothaide), Of Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 770, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia.
3. Aupais (Alpis)

Charlemagne, — Mathalgard (Hathalgard), [Concubine 1]. Mathalgard was born Abt 765, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia. [Group Sheet]

1. Rothaide Abbesse Of Farmoutier was born Abt 787, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died 20 Mar 852.

Charlemagne, — Gerswind, [Concubine 2]. Gerswind was born Abt 767, Of, Old Saxony. [Group Sheet]

1. Adeltrud, Bastard Of Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 789, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; was buried St Arnoul Abbey, Metz, Austrasia, France.

Charlemagne, — Mrs. Charlemagne, [Concubine 4]. Mrs. was born Abt 773, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia. [Group Sheet]

1. Bellinandra, Bastard Of Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 797, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia.

Charlemagne, — Mrs. Charlemagne, [Concubine 5]. Mrs. was born Abt 775, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia. [Group Sheet]

1. Gertruda, Bastard Of Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 799, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia.

Charlemagne, — Mrs. Charlemagne, [Concubine 6]. Mrs. was born Abt 777, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia. [Group Sheet]

1. Emma, Bastard Of Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 801, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died 838.

Charlemagne, — Galiena, [Concubine 7]. Galiena was born Abt 779, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia. [Group Sheet]

Charlemagne, — Mrs. Charlemagne, [Concubine 8]. Mrs. was born Abt 779, Of, Aachen, Prussia. [Group Sheet]

1. Hruodhaid, Bastard Of Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 803, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia.

Charlemagne, — Adelheid (Adelinde), [Concubine 9]. Adelheid was born Abt 784, Of Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia. [Group Sheet]

1. (Dietrich) Thierry "The Monk" Holy Roman Empir was born Abt 809, Of, Aachen, Rhineland, Prussia; died Aft 818.

Other Events:

• AFN: 9GCB-5M

Notes:

Pepin "The Short", King Of The Franks founded the Carolingian dynasty. Like his father, grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, Pepin served as mayor of the palace in the Merovingian kingdom in France and Germany. In each case, the mayor was the power behind the throne. In 751, an assembly of the Franks deposed Childeric, the last of the weak Merovingian kings, and proclaimed Pepin king. Pope Stephen II, who ruled Rome, asked Pepin for help against the Lombard king, Pepin sent his army to save Rome. The Lombards had captured Ravenna. Pepin recaptured the city and much of the nearby territory, known as "the Donation of Pepin," helped build the political power of the pope. Pepin added Aquitaine to his own kingdom, and began many important religious and educational reforms. His son Charlemagne, carried on these reforms.
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Reference:
"The World Book Encyclopedia", 1968, P245
"Royalty for Commoners", Roderick W. Stuart, 1993, p 129.
"Ancestral Roots of Certain American Colonists ...", Frederick Lewis Weis,
1993, p cvi.

Pepin married Bertrada, Countess Of Laon, [Queen] Abt 739. Bertrada, (daughter of Heribert, Count Of Laon and Bertrada) was born Abt 719, , Laon, Aisne, France; died 8 Jul 783, , Choisy, Haute-Savoie, France; was buried St Denis, Paris, Seine, France. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9GCC-74

Notes:

Queen of the Franks, "Broadfoot".
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Reference:
"Royalty for Commoners", Roderick W. Stuart, 1993, p 129.
"Ancestral Roots of Certain American Colonists ...", Frederick Lewis Weis,
1993, p cvi.

Other Events:

• AFN: 9GC9-KK

Notes:

Charles "Martel", Mayor Of The Palace Of Austrasia ruled the Merovingian Franks from A.D. 719 to 741. He used only the title of Mayor of the Palace, but he actually had the power of a king. Most of the lawful Frankish kings of this period were weak. In 732, Charles defeated the invading Moslems in the famous Battle of Tours near Poitiers. For repeatedly attacking the Moslems, Charles later received the title of Martel, meaning the Hammer. He built an army of mounted men by seizing church estates. Charles supported Saint Boniface in his reform of the Frankish church.
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Reference:
"The World Book Encyclopedia", 1968, C295.
"Royalty for Commoners", Roderick W. Stuart, 1993, p 129, 196.
"Pedigrees of Some of the Emperor Charlemagne's Descendants", Langston & Buck,
1986, p cvi.

Charles — Rotrude (Chrotude), Duchess Austrasia. Rotrude (daughter of Leutwinus Treves) was born Abt 689, Of Austrasia, France; died Abt 723. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9GCB-39

Notes:

Rotrude (Chrotude), Duchess Of Austrasia
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Reference:
"Royalty for Commoners", Roderick W. Stuart, 1993, p 129, 196.
"Pedigrees of Some of the Emperor Charlemagne's Descendants", Langston & Buck,
1986, p cvi.

Other Events:

• AFN: FHLG-SD

Notes:

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Reference:
"Ancestral Roots of Certain American Colonists ...", Frederick Lewis Weis,
1993, p cvi.

Heribert, — Bertrada. Bertrada was born Abt 697. [Group Sheet]

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• AFN: FHLG-TK

Other Events:

• AFN: 9GC9-7T

Notes:

Pepin of Heristol (Liege, Belgium); Mayor Of The Palace Of Austrasia.

Pepin of Herstal (635?-714), Carolingian mayor of the palace, who reunited the Frankish realms in the late Merovingian period. A grandson of Pepin the Elder, he succeeded to his position in the kingdom of Austrasia around 680. In 687 he extended Carolingian rule to the other Frankish kingdoms, Neustria and Burgundy, but retained members of the Merovingian dynasty as figurehead
monarchs in all three. Two years later he extended his control over the Frisians, a pagan people living on the North Sea coast. Pepin's death was followed by a civil war and the succession of his illegitimate son Charles
Martel.
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Reference:
"Pepin of Herstal," Microsoft (R) Encarta. Copyright (c) 1993 Microsoft
Corporation. Copyright (c) 1993 Funk & Wagnall's Corporation
"Royalty for Commoners", Roderick W. Stuart, 1993, p 129.

Pepin, — Alpaide, [Concubine 1]. Alpaide was born Abt 653, Of, Heristal, Liege, Belgium; died Orplegrandmonast, Brabant, Vosges, France. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9GC9-JD

Notes:

Aupais (Aplaid) Concubine.
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Reference:
"Royalty for Commoners", Roderick W. Stuart, 1993, p 129.
"Pedigrees of Some of the Emperor Charlemagne's Descendants", Langston & Buck,
1986, p cvi.

Notes:

St. Lievin (Leutwinus), Bishop of Treves, 685-704.
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Reference:
"Royalty for Commoners", Roderick W. Stuart, 1993, p 129, 196.
"Ancestral Roots of Certain American Colonists ...", Frederick Lewis Weis,
1993, p cvi.
"Pedigrees of Some of the Emperor Charlemagne's Descendants", Langston & Buck,
1986, p 51.