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  • 813-840: Emperor of the Carolingian Empire
  • 814-840: King of the Franks
  • 814-840: King of the Lombards
  • 814-840: King of the Bavarians
  • 781-814: King of Aquitaine
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Wikipedia

Louis the Pious Carolingian, King of Aquitaine, King of the Franks, Holy Roman Emperor, was born circa 16 April 778 in Chasseneuil, France to Charlemagne (747-814) and Hildegard (758-783) and died circa 20 June 840 N/A of N/A. He married Ermengarde of Hesbaye (c778-818) 794 JL . He married Judith of Bavaria (795-843) 819 JL in Aachen.

Biography

Map Europe in 814- Touring Club Italiano CART-TRC-50 02

Europe in 814

Denier Louis le Pieux

Denarius of Louis

Louis the Pious, also known as Louis I or Louis the Fair, was a Carolingian emperor who reigned from 814 to 840. He was the son and successor of Charlemagne, the founder of the Carolingian Empire.


Here is an overview of Louis the Pious and his reign:

Early Life and Inheritance:

Louis the Pious was born on April 16, 778, in Chasseneuil, Frankia (modern-day France). He was the third son of Charlemagne and his wife Hildegard. Charlemagne had several wives and concubines, and Louis was the only surviving legitimate son at the time of his father's death in 814. As a result, he inherited the Carolingian Empire, which encompassed much of Western Europe.

Old High German Language

As a Carolingian emperor, Louis the Pious would have primarily spoken Old High German, which was the native language of the Frankish people during that time. Old High German was a West Germanic language spoken from the 6th to the 11th centuries. It was the ancestor of the modern German language.

However, it is important to note that Louis the Pious would have been multilingual, as the Carolingian Empire encompassed diverse regions and linguistic groups. He would have also been fluent in Latin, which was the language of the Church and the administrative language of the empire. Latin was used for official documents, correspondence, and religious purposes.

Additionally, due to the vast territory of the empire, Louis the Pious would have been exposed to various regional languages and dialects spoken by different ethnic groups under his rule. These could include Old Frankish, Old Saxon, Old Lombardic, Old French, and others, depending on the regions he governed.

Old High German Translations:

  • Name: Hludowig the Frumahtere (Louis the Pious or Devout)
  • Royal Titles:
    • Chuning der Francon (Emperor of the Franks)
    • Chuning der Langobardun (King of the Lombards)
    • Chuning der Akitanier (King of the Aquitainians)
    • Chuning der Baiwaren (King of the Bavarians)

Please note that Old High German spelling and pronunciation can vary, and there may be alternative spellings for certain words or titles. The provided forms are commonly used and representative of the language during that time.


Coronation and Co-Emperor:

Upon Charlemagne's death, Louis was immediately crowned as the Emperor of the Franks and Lombards. He continued his father's policies and attempted to maintain the unity of the empire. In 813, before Charlemagne's death, Louis had already been appointed co-emperor and had participated in the government alongside his father.

Religious Devotion:

Louis the Pious was deeply religious and sought to rule with a strong Christian faith. He was known for his piety, and his reign was marked by a close alliance with the Church. He supported the spread of Christianity and the education of priests. Louis was also instrumental in promoting monastic reform and the enforcement of religious discipline.

Challenges to Authority:

Throughout his reign, Louis faced numerous challenges to his authority, both internally and externally. His three sons, Lothair, Pepin, and Louis the German, each desired a greater share of the empire and sought to undermine their father's rule. They formed alliances with various nobles, leading to rebellions and civil wars. Louis struggled to maintain control and had to make concessions and compromises to appease his sons and the nobility.

Division of the Empire:

In an attempt to avoid further conflict and secure peace, Louis divided the Carolingian Empire among his three sons through the Treaty of Verdun in 843. Lothair received the title of Emperor and ruled over the central portion, known as Middle Francia, while Pepin and Louis the German received the eastern and western portions, respectively. This division laid the foundation for the future fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire.

Later Years and Death:

In the later years of his reign, Louis the Pious faced increasing challenges from within his own family. His sons continued to dispute their territories, and there were conflicts with the nobility. Louis faced a major rebellion in 830 led by his eldest son, Lothair, who sought to overthrow him. However, Louis managed to retain the throne and reconciled with Lothair.

Louis the Pious died on June 20, 840, in the city of Ingelheim, Germany. He was buried in the Abbey of Saint-Arnould in Metz. Despite the difficulties and divisions that marked his reign, Louis the Pious is remembered as a ruler who upheld the ideals of Christianity and sought to govern justly.

Legacy:

Louis the Pious left behind a complex legacy. While he was known for his religious devotion and attempts to maintain the unity of the empire, his reign was marked by instability and conflicts within his family. The divisions set in motion during his reign ultimately led to the fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire after his death, contributing to the rise of separate kingdoms in Western Europe. Overall, Louis the Pious played a significant role in the history of the Carolingian Empire and left an indelible mark on the political and religious landscape of his time.

Marriage and Family

1st Marriage: Ermengarde of Hesbaye

Ermengarde of Hesbaye (married c. 794),[1] She was the daughter of Ingerman, count of Hesbaye. Ermengarde played an influential role in the court.

They had had three sons and three daughters:

  1. Lothair (795-855)- king of Middle Francia - Lothair was the eldest surviving son of Louis the Pious and Ermengarde. He was born in 795 and played a prominent role during his father's reign. Lothair was designated as the co-emperor in 817 and later became the principal heir to the empire. However, conflicts arose between Lothair and his younger brothers over the division of the empire, leading to civil wars and the Treaty of Verdun in 843.
  2. Pepin I of Aquitaine (797-838) AKA: Pepin the Hunchback - king of Aquitaine - Pepin, also known as Pepin the Hunchback, was born in 797. He suffered from a physical deformity and was excluded from the succession to the imperial title due to his condition. However, he was appointed king of Aquitaine and had a minor role in the political affairs of the empire.
  3. Adelaide (c799-?) - the eldest daughter of Louis the Pious and Ermengarde. Not much is known about her life and activities.
  4. Rotrude (800-860) - another daughter of Louis and Ermengarde. Little information is available about her life and historical significance.
  5. Hildegard (c802-841) - She was married to Gerard, count of Auvergne, and they had several children. Hildegard was involved in the political affairs of the empire and exerted influence during her father's reign.
  6. Louis the German (c806-876), king of East Francia - was the youngest son of Louis the Pious and Ermengarde. He played a significant role in the partitioning of the Carolingian Empire after his father's death. He became the ruler of East Francia, which included the territories of present-day Germany.

2nd Marriage: Judith of Bavaria

After the death of Ermengarde, Louis married Judith of Bavaria in 819. Judith was the daughter of Count Welf of Bavaria. She was known for her beauty and ambition, which stirred controversy and caused conflicts within Louis' family. By his second wife, Judith of Bavaria, he had a daughter and a son:

  1. Gisela (c820-aft874) - married Eberhard of Friuli -
  2. Charles the Bald (823-877) = king of West Francia

Other Children

By an unknown concubine (probably Theodelinde of Sens), he had two illegitimate children:

  1. Arnulf of Sens (c794-?)
  2. Alpais (793-855)


Children


Offspring of Louis the Pious and Ermengarde of Hesbaye (c778-818)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Lothair (795-855) 795 29 September 855 Ermengard of Tours (801-851)
Doda (?-?)
Pepin I of Aquitaine (797-838) 797 13 December 838 Ingeltrude de Madrie (808-876)
Adelaide (c799-?) 799
Rotrude (800-860) 802 23 August 860 Gerard d'Auvergne (-841)
Hildegard (c802-841) 802 Maine Rather de Limoges (?-841)
Louis the German (c806-876) 806 28 August 876 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Hemma of Altdorf (808-876)


Offspring of Louis the Pious and Judith of Bavaria (795-843)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Gisela (c820-aft874) 820 874 Eberhard di Friuli (c815-866)
Charles the Bald (823-877) 823 Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany 877 Avrieux, France Ermentrude d'Orléans (830-869)
Richildis de Provence (c845-910)


Offspring of Louis the Pious and Theodelinde of Sens (?-?)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Arnulf of Sens (c794-?) 794 841
Alpais (793-855) 793 855



Siblings


Offspring of Charlemagne (747-814) and Himiltrude (c742-c780)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Pippin the Hunchback (c769-811) 769 811 Prüm
Amaudru (c770-)


Offspring of Charlemagne (747-814) and Hildegard (758-783)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Rotrude (775-810) 770 6 June 810 Rorgon of Maine (c770-839)
Charles the Younger (c772-811) 772 4 December 811 Bavaria
Adelaide (c773-774) 774 Pavie, Lombardy, Italy 774 Italy
Pepin of Italy (773-810) 773 Vermandois, Normandy, France 8 July 810 Milan, Lombardy, Italy Bertha of Gellone (c780-)
Ingeltrude (c780-)
Louis the Pious (778-840) 16 April 778 Chasseneuil, France 20 June 840 Ingelheim am Rhein Ermengarde of Hesbaye (c778-818)
Judith of Bavaria (795-843)
Theodelinde of Sens (?-?)
Lothair (778-c779) 778 France 779
Bertha (779-823) 779 823 Angilbert (c750-814)
Gisela (781-808) 781 Milan 808
Hildegarde (783-783) 783 France 783 France


Offspring of Charlemagne (747-814) and Gersuinda (750-aft800)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Adaltrude (774-) 774 852


Offspring of Charlemagne (747-814) and Madelgarde de Lommois (c760-)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Ruodhaid (c775-852) 775 24 March 852 France


Offspring of Charlemagne (747-814) and Fastrada of Ingelheim (765-794)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Theodrada (784-) 784 9 January 849 Argenteuil
Hiltrude (787-) 787


Offspring of Charlemagne (747-814) and Regina (c780-)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Drogo of Metz (801-855) 17 June 801 8 December 855 Luxeuil
Hugh (802-844) 802 844


Offspring of Charlemagne (747-814) and Ethelind (c780-)
Name Birth Death Joined with
Richbod (805-844) 805 844
Theodoric (807-819) 807 819


See Also

Bibliography

  • Booker, Courtney M. Past Convictions: The Penance of Louis the Pious and the Decline of the Carolingians, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2009, ISBN 978-0-8122-4168-6
  • De Jong, Mayke. The Penitential State: Authority and Atonement in the Age of Louis the Pious, 814–840. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009.
  • Depreux, Philippe. Prosopographie de l'entourage de Louis le Pieux (781–840). Sigmaringen: Thorbecke, 1997. A useful prosopographical overview of Louis's household, court and other subordinates.
  • Eichler, Daniel. Fränkische Reichsversammlungen unter Ludwig dem Frommen. Hannover: Hahnsche Buchhandlung, 2007 (Monumenta Germaniae Historica Studien und Texte, 45).
  • Ganshof, François-Louis The Carolingians and the Frankish Monarchy. 1971.
  • Godman, Peter, and Roger Collins (eds.). Charlemagne's Heir: New Perspectives on the Reign of Louis the Pious (814–840). Oxford and New York: Clarendon Press, 1990.
  • Oman, Charles. The Dark Ages 476–918. London, 1914.
  • Fischer Drew, Katherine. The Laws of the Salian Franks, University of Pennsylvania Press. ISBN 0-8122-1322-X
  • Noble, Thomas F. X. Louis the Pious and his piety re-reconsidered Link


External Links

Contemporary References

The best earliest contemporary sources about the life and reign of Louis the Pious are primarily found in the form of annals and chronicles from the Carolingian period. These sources provide valuable insights into the events and political climate of the time. Here are some of the key contemporary sources:

  1. Royal Frankish Annals (Annales regni Francorum): The Royal Frankish Annals, also known as the Annales regni Francorum, are one of the most important sources for the Carolingian period. These annals were written in the court of Louis the Pious and cover the period from 741 to 829. They provide a chronological account of significant events during Louis' reign and offer insights into political developments, wars, and imperial policies.
  2. Einhard's Vita Karoli Magni (Life of Charlemagne): While not specifically focused on Louis the Pious, Einhard's Vita Karoli Magni (Life of Charlemagne) is a valuable contemporary source that sheds light on the broader context of Louis' upbringing and his father's reign. Einhard was a courtier and scholar in Charlemagne's court, and his biography of Charlemagne provides information on the early life and achievements of Louis as Charlemagne's heir.
  3. Vita Hludovici Imperatoris, the main source for his reign, written c. 840 by an unknown author usually called "the Astronomer" is a biography of Louis the Pious. It provides a detailed account of his life and reign, covering events from his birth to his death in 840. The biography offers insights into Louis' religious devotion, his relationship with the Church, and the challenges he faced during his reign.
  4. Nithard's Historiae (Histories): Nithard, a grandson of Charlemagne and a participant in the civil wars of Louis the Pious' reign, wrote the Historiae. This work covers the period from 840 to 843 and provides a first-hand account of the struggles among Louis' sons for control of the empire. While it primarily focuses on the events after Louis' death, it offers valuable insights into the political and familial conflicts that marked his reign.
  5. Hincmar's De Ordine Palatii (On the Order of the Palace): Hincmar of Reims, an influential archbishop and advisor to Louis the Pious and his successors, wrote De Ordine Palatii. This work provides insights into the administration of the Carolingian court and the functioning of the palace during Louis' reign. It offers a glimpse into the political structures and decision-making processes of the empire.
  6. Gesta Hludowici Imperatoris by Thegan of Trier on-line Latin text

Royal Succession Charts

Louis the Pious (778-840)
Born: 16 April 778 Died: 20 June 840
Regnal titles
New title King of Aquitaine
781–814
Succeeded by
Pepin I
Preceded by
Charlemagne
Carolingian Emperor
813–840
with Lothair I (817–840)
Succeeded by
Lothair I
King of the Franks
814–840
Succeeded by
Lothair I
as king of Middle Francia
Succeeded by
Louis II
as king of East Francia
Succeeded by
Charles II
as king of West Francia

References

  1. ^ McKitterick, Rosamond (2008). Charlemagne: The Formation of a European Identity. Cambridge University Press. p. 93. 


Footnotes (including sources)

‡ General
2 Wedding 2
2 Wedding 3
  • Children were described as "illegitimate".
  • Wikipedia




Robin Patterson

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