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Berthe de LaonQueen of the Frankish State, daughter of Charibert de Laon
Date of Birth: 01.01.0720
Country:  France |
Content:
- Bertha of Laon, Queen of the Franks
- Early Life and Family
- Marriage to Pepin the Short
- Birth of Charlemagne
- Queen Consort and Mother
- Influence on Charlemagne's Reign
- Later Years and Legacy
Bertha of Laon, Queen of the Franks
Bertha of Laon was a Frankish queen and the mother of Charlemagne. Her nickname, "Big-footed," likely stemmed from a congenital foot deformity.
Early Life and Family
Bertha's father, Charibert of Laon, was a count and a son of Bertrada of Prüm. Her mother's identity remains unknown, but some evidence suggests it may have been Gisela of Aquitaine.
Marriage to Pepin the Short
Bertha's marriage to Pepin the Short is a subject of debate. While some historians believe she was his only wife, others posit that he was initially married to Leutberga. The date of their marriage is also disputed, with estimates ranging from 743 to 749.
Birth of Charlemagne
The date of Charlemagne's birth is uncertain. Some sources indicate 742, while others suggest a range between 747 and 748. Bertha gave birth to Carloman in 751 and Charlemagne in November of the same year.
Queen Consort and Mother
In 751, Bertha was crowned queen alongside her husband. She played an active role in court, influencing her sons' policies. In 767, she accompanied Pepin on his campaign in Gascony.
Influence on Charlemagne's Reign
After Pepin's death in 768, Bertha became queen mother. She exerted significant influence on Charlemagne, arranging his marriage to Desiderata in 770 and mediating their subsequent divorce. Following Carloman's death in 771, she moved to Charlemagne's court in Aachen.
Later Years and Legacy
Bertha retired to the Abbey of Choisy-au-Bac in 772. She died on July 12, 783, and was honored with a magnificent funeral by her son Charlemagne. Bertha had witnessed the continuation of the Carolingian dynasty through her three grandsons and three granddaughters.
