The Emergence of Europe (286-843) Part XXVII: The Frankish Kingdom is Divided...Again

2025-09-24

A series of civil wars and repeated invasions by Germanic tribes caused the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Following the end of imperial authority, several Germanic tribes struggled against each other for control of territory. The Franks became the dominant power in Gaul, but Greater Frankia repeatedly broke apart during wars between rival claimants for the throne. Finally, Charlemagne united the Franks, and greatly expanded the size of the kingdom. However, his grandsons proved unwilling to share the empire, and divided it in 843, laying the foundations for France and Germany. Episode Twenty-seven explains that the enlarged Frankish kingdom was divided between Pippin's two sons when he died. Charles, the eldest son, made a marriage alliance with the Lombard king, while his younger brother Carloman tried to ally with the papacy. However, Carloman died suddenly, and Charles quickly gained control of his brother's lands. Meanwhile, Desiderius, king of the Lombards, had helped pope Stephen deal with a violent tyrant. Naturally, Stephen was grateful, but he died, and was succeeded by Hadrian, a more aggressive pope who asked for Frankish help against the Lombards.

Cast of Characters:

Charles-king of Frankia, formerly king of Neustria, Frisia and northern Austrasia (768-771), eldest son of Pippin

Carloman-king of southern Austrasia, Provence, Languedoc, Burgundy and Alemannia, younger son of Pippin (768-771)

Bertrada-mother to both Charles and Carloman

Desiderius-king of the Lombards (756-774)

Tasssilo-duke of Bavaria (748-788)

Hadrian I-Pope (772-795)

Stephen III-Pope (768-772)

Constantine II-illegitimate pope (767-768)

Christopher-head notary of the papacy

Sergius-treasurer of the church, Christopher's son

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