Timeline
732Arabs defeated at Tours by Charles MartelIn 732, Charles Martel led the Frankish forces to victory against the Arab invaders at the Battle of Tours, also known as the Battle of Poitiers. This battle is considered a turning point in European history as it halted the Muslim advance into Western Europe.
0742-01-01Birth of CharlemagneCharlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, was born in Aachen to Pepin the Short and Bertrada of Laon.
742-04-02Birth of Charles the Great (Charlemagne)Charles the Great, also known as Charlemagne, was born on April 2, 742. He was a significant figure in European history, known for his military conquests and role in the Carolingian dynasty.
747-04-02Birth of CharlemagneCharlemagne, born on April 2, 747, was a key figure in European history, serving as the king of the Franks, king of the Lombards, and the first emperor of the Romans. His upbringing involved practical training for leadership through involvement in political, social, and military affairs.
748Birth of CharlemagneCharlemagne, the first-born son of Pepin the Short and his wife Bertada, was born in 748.
751Pippin III Seizes the Frankish ThroneIn 751, with papal approval, Charlemagne's father, Pippin III, took control of the Frankish throne from the last Merovingian king, Childeric III. This event marked a significant shift in power dynamics within the Frankish kingdom.
756Donation of PippinIn 756, Pippin III made a significant donation to the papacy, granting a block of territory in central Italy. This donation, known as the Donation of Pippin, laid the foundation for the creation of the Papal States.
760Charlemagne begins issuing charters in his own nameIn 760, Charlemagne started issuing official documents in his own name, signifying his increasing authority and power.
0768Division of Francia KingdomUpon Pepin's death, the Francia kingdom was divided between his two sons, Carloman I and Charlemagne, resulting in a dual kingship.
768-09-24Death of Pepin and succession of Charlemagne and CarlomanOn September 24, 768, Pepin died during a campaign in Aquitaine, leading to Charlemagne and Carloman succeeding their father as joint rulers.
768-10-09Coronations of Charlemagne and CarlomanOn October 9, 768, Charlemagne was crowned at Noyon and Carloman at Soissons, signifying their joint rule over the Frankish kingdom.
0771-12Carloman I's DeathAfter Carloman I's death under unknown circ*mstances, Charlemagne becomes the sole ruler of the Frankish kingdom.
771-12-04Death of Carloman and Charlemagne becomes sole kingOn December 4, 771, Carloman passed away suddenly, leaving Charlemagne as the sole ruler of the Franks.
0772-01-01First Raid on the SaxonsCharlemagne successfully launches the first raid on the Saxons, initiating a thirty-year campaign to convert pagan tribes to Christianity.
773Charlemagne invades ItalyIn 773, Charlemagne invaded Italy to remove King Desiderius from the Lombardy throne and took control of the kingdom for himself.
0774-01-01Charlemagne becomes King of the LombardsCharlemagne conquers Lombardy and ascends to the throne as the King of the Lombards.
777Charlemagne invited into Spain by ZaragozaIn 777, Zaragoza extended an invitation to Charlemagne to enter Spain, marking a significant diplomatic gesture.
778Battle of RoncesvallesIn 778, Charlemagne faced his only defeat as his rearguard was destroyed during the retreat from Spain in the Battle of Roncesvalles.
781-04-30Death of HildegardHildegard, wife of Charlemagne, died on April 30, 783, due to complications from childbirth. Charlemagne commissioned epitaphs for both his wife and daughter, and arranged for daily masses at Hildegard's tomb.
782Massacre of VerdenIn 782, Charlemagne ordered the beheading of 4,500 Saxon prisoners in what is known as the Massacre of Verden. This event was a significant stain on Charlemagne's reputation.
785End of Saxon resistanceBy 785, Charlemagne had successfully suppressed the Saxon resistance and gained complete control of Westphalia. He met Widukind, who agreed to be baptized, marking the end of this phase of the Saxon Wars.
786Charlemagne's campaign in ItalyIn 786, Charlemagne marched into the Duchy of Benevento in Italy to extend his influence. He accepted the submission of Duke Arechis and met with envoys from Constantinople.
787Launch of Charles' educational plan with the establishment of schoolsIn 787, Charles initiates his educational reform by mandating bishops and abbots to establish schools in proximity to churches and monasteries. This marks the beginning of a significant educational initiative under Charlemagne's reign.
788-01-01Charlemagne Pilgrimage to Rome; Pepin Crowned King of ItalyCharlemagne goes on a pilgrimage to Rome while his son Pepin is declared King of Italy. During this time, Charlemagne meets Alcuin who agrees to join his court.
799-04-25Charlemagne's Invasion of the AvarsCharlemagne launches military campaigns against the Avars, leading to the conquest of their empire which includes present-day Austria and Hungary.
800-12-25Charlemagne Crowned as Roman EmperorCharlemagne is crowned as Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III during Christmas Mass after helping Leo clear himself of charges and accepting the role offered by the Pope.
801Expansion of Spanish March CountiesIn 801, Charlemagne's son Louis led campaigns against the Emirate of Cordoba, resulting in the capture of Barcelona and significant expansion of the Spanish March counties.
802Capitulare missorum generaleThe Capitulare missorum generale issued in 802 reformed the institution of royal officials and required loyalty oaths from free men, enhancing Charlemagne's governance and control over his empire.
804-01-01Defeat of the SaxonsAfter a war lasting over 30 years, Charlemagne finally defeats the Saxons, expanding his empire even further.
806Divisio RegnorumThe 806 charter Divisio Regnorum set the terms of Charlemagne's succession, dividing his empire among his sons and ensuring peace among his descendants.
0807Peace Treaty between Charlemagne and Nikephoros IIn 807, a peace treaty was signed between the Frankish king Charlemagne and the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros I, aiming to establish peace and diplomatic relations between the two powerful rulers.
809Council of AachenCharlemagne summoned a council at Aachen in 809 to address the dispute over the recitation of the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, defending the use of filioque. Pope Leo affirmed the text of the creed omitting the phrase.
810Diplomatic Relations with ConstantinopleIn 810, Charlemagne sent envoys to Constantinople to make peace with the Byzantine Empire, giving up his claims to Veneto. This marked a significant diplomatic achievement in his relations with the East.
811Charlemagne's Peace with MichaelAfter deteriorating relations with Baghdad following Harun's death, Charlemagne engaged in negotiations with Constantinople that led to peace with Michael in 811.
0812-01-01Charlemagne Recognized as Emperor by Byzantine EmperorByzantine emperor, Michael I, officially acknowledges Charlemagne as an emperor, although not as a 'Roman' emperor, solidifying the power Charles already held.
0813-04-01Charlemagne Delegates Power to Louis the PiousCharles entrusts regal power to Louis, his final surviving legitimate son, passing on the responsibilities of the empire.
813-09-11Louis Crowned as Co-EmperorIn a ceremony on 11 September 813, Charlemagne formally crowned his son Louis as his co-emperor, solidifying the succession within the Carolingian dynasty.
0814-01-28Death of CharlemagneCharlemagne passes away due to old age, leading to the succession of his son, Louis the Pious, to the throne.
1000Emperor Otto II attempts to have Charlemagne canonised as a saintEmperor Otto II made an attempt to have Charlemagne declared a saint in the year 1000, showing the reverence and importance placed on Charlemagne in medieval Europe.
1165Frederick Barbarossa convinces Antipope Paschal III to elevate Charlemagne to sainthoodIn 1165, Frederick Barbarossa persuaded Antipope Paschal III to raise Charlemagne to the status of a saint, although this act was not recognized by the Holy See in Rome.
1806Dissolution of Holy Roman EmpireThe Holy Roman Empire, founded by Otto the Great in 962, lasted as an institution until its dissolution in 1806, marking the end of a significant political entity in Europe.
End of the Timeline
Charlemagne
