Carolingian map full

The Rise and Fall of the Carolingian Empire

By mduke44
  • Pippin II of Herstal
    679

    Pippin II of Herstal

    Became the major of the palace, who then gained successful rule over the kingdom. After a few successful battles, Pippin was able to gain respect from all around him. Leaving behind heirs, he was able to continue the line of royals in the palace.
  • Pippin II of Herstal death
    714

    Pippin II of Herstal death

    Pippin II's death was followed by the success of his heirs. With his sons securing their positions, it's safe to say that his legend continued on for much longer. Even his illegitimate son was able to establish himself as ruler over the Franks.
  • Charles Martel established as ruler
    725

    Charles Martel established as ruler

    As the illegitimate son of Pippin II of Herstal, Charles rose pretty far despite his disadvantages. As ruler of the Franks, he was able to become successful in many ruling aspects. He even, during his lifetime, sustained the Merovingian sovereignty until 737.
  • Battle of Tours ended
    732

    Battle of Tours ended

    This battle was fought between the Frankish (and surrounding areas) against the Muslims. With the success of the Franks against the latter, they prevented the Muslims from entering Europe. This was the beginning of the rise of the Carolingian dynasty.
  • Charlemagne (Charles I) was born
    742

    Charlemagne (Charles I) was born

    Born in 742, Charlemagne was the child that would grow to make the dynasty what it was known for. Known as Charles the first in France and Germany, he grew to be a powerful ruler. An alternative name for him also includes "Charles the Great".
  • The Carolingian family came to power
    750

    The Carolingian family came to power

    Rising with the success of the war, the family began their dynasty in 750. With the aid of Charles the Great, he brought with him influence and presence to expand his good fortune. Also supported by the pope, the family grew in wealth.
  • Charlemagne crowned emperor of the Roman Empire
    Dec 25, 800

    Charlemagne crowned emperor of the Roman Empire

    On Christmas day of the year 800, Charles I was crowned emperor. Pope Leo III declared Charles I as the ruler of the previously fallen Roman Empire. This only added to the value of their dynasty.
  • Charlemagne’s death
    814

    Charlemagne’s death

    Charlemagne’s death occured in 814, leaving behind the dynasty he fought so hard for when he was alive. His successor was his son, Louis the Pious, and became king behind him. Culture still flourished,
  • Louis the Pious' sons contest the succession of his title.
    840

    Louis the Pious' sons contest the succession of his title.

    Three of his sons contested their father's title. With this objection, the sons spent years seeking their prize. In the following years, they were succuesful.
  • Treaty of Verdun
    843

    Treaty of Verdun

    In 843, the Treaty of Verdun was signed to split the kingdom into three. With the empire divided into three kingdoms, the sons were finally satisfied by the throne. The western land went to Charles II, the East went to Louis II, and the Italian/Roman provinces went to Lothar.
  • Imperial title passed down
    855

    Imperial title passed down

    The imperial title was passed from Lothar to his son, Louis II. When the title was passed, the dynasty could be seen starting to deteriorate. With each heir not as respected as before, it was difficult for the community to rally behind them.
  • Charles the Bald gets the title
    875

    Charles the Bald gets the title

    Charles the Bald gained the title from his nephew, Louis II. As the biological grandson of Charlemagne, Charles the Bald received the title in Italy at Pavia. Pope John VIII delivering his blessing to the future crown-holder.
  • Charles the Bald deposed
    877

    Charles the Bald deposed

    The removal from office of the uncle required the crown to be passed onto Charles III. With this action, the downfall of all events spiraled out of control. With the loss of crowned kings, the dynasty was nearly over.
  • Charles III the Fat gets the crown
    881

    Charles III the Fat gets the crown

    Charles III the Fat was the great-grandson of Charlemagne. Charles was ailing from illness, which prevented him from doing the majority of his duties as a leader. Towards the end of the dynasty, he even failed to bribe the Vikings into leaving his terriotoy alone.
  • End of the Carolingian dynasty
    887

    End of the Carolingian dynasty

    Once the kingdom was divided, the beginning of the end began. The end of the dynasty was official when the death of Charles III occurred. By this time, all of the power of the former dynasty was nearly abandoned, anyways.