Charlemagne: Carolingian Empire, Saxon Wars & Complete Military Guide

Charlemagne built the largest western European empire since Rome by combining dynastic kingship, relentless campaigning and a political system able to extract service from regional elites.

He inherited the Frankish kingdom in 768, became sole ruler in 771 and spent decades fighting Saxons, Lombards, Muslims in Iberia, Avars and other opponents. In 800 he was crowned emperor in Rome.

At a glance

  • King of the Franks: from 768.
  • King of the Lombards: from 774.
  • Crowned emperor: 800.
  • Main wars: Saxon Wars, Lombard campaign, Avar campaigns, frontier fighting in Iberia and central Europe.

The Carolingian military system

Charlemagne did not command a modern standing army. Campaign forces were assembled through obligations of nobles, regional levies and royal resources. Success depended on annual mobilisation, logistics, horses and the ability to move armies across enormous distances.

The Saxon Wars

The conquest of Saxony took decades. Rebellion repeatedly followed submission. Warfare mixed political domination, forced conversion, hostage-taking, deportation and fortress building. It was not one campaign but a long struggle over control.

Lombardy

In 773–74 Charlemagne invaded the Lombard kingdom in Italy, captured Pavia and assumed the Lombard crown. The campaign extended Frankish power south of the Alps and tied Charlemagne more closely to the papacy.

Roncesvalles and Iberia

Charlemagne's expedition into Iberia in 778 ended with the destruction of his rear guard at Roncesvalles. Later epic transformed the event into the story of Roland, obscuring the more complicated political reality of frontier warfare involving Christian and Muslim powers.

The Avars

Campaigns against the Avar Khaganate in central Europe brought prestige, wealth and territorial influence. The capture of Avar treasure strengthened the monarchy and helped finance royal patronage.

Imperial coronation

On Christmas Day 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne emperor in Rome. The act revived an imperial title in western Europe and created a political legacy that later rulers would claim.

What survived him?

The empire fragmented after his descendants divided it, but Carolingian administration, military organisation, literacy reforms and imperial ideology shaped medieval Europe for centuries.

Frequently asked questions

Was Charlemagne Roman emperor?

He was crowned emperor in Rome in 800, but the Byzantine Empire continued to claim Roman imperial legitimacy in the east.

Did Charlemagne create France and Germany?

No. His empire helped shape the political development of both regions, but modern nation-states came much later.

Related Regimental Record

Sources & further research

  • Einhard, Life of Charlemagne.
  • Royal Frankish Annals.
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