 |
Charles YoungerKing of the Franks from 800 to 811.
Date of Birth: .
|
Content:
Carl the Younger: King of the Franks
Early Life and Ascension to the ThroneBorn in 778, Carl the Younger was the second son of Charlemagne and his second (or, according to some sources, first or third) wife, Hildegard of Vinzgouw. Upon Charlemagne's division of the empire among his sons, Carl received the title of King of the Franks in 800. He was crowned in Rome on Christmas Day 800, the same day his father was crowned emperor. Prior to this, from 790, he had ruled the county of Maine. His elder brother, Pepin the Hunchback, was disinherited, while his younger brothers, Carloman (under the name Pepin) and Louis the Pious, received Italy and Aquitaine, respectively.
Marriage Diplomacy and Trade
In 789, Charlemagne proposed that Carl marry Ealhflæd, daughter of Offa, King of East Anglia. Offa, however, insisted that the marriage could only occur if Charlemagne's daughter married his son, Ecgfrith. Charlemagne took offense at this and closed English ports to trade. Eventually, the ports were reopened, trade was restored, and a few years later, in 796, Carl and Offa signed the first known commercial treaty between England and France.
Reign and Death
During his reign, Carl ruled with relative stability and order. He maintained close ties with his father and supported his imperial ambitions. Carl the Younger passed away in Bavaria on December 4, 811, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and diplomacy.
