Saxon Wars

Quick Facts: Who was Saxon Wars?

Subject:

Saxon Wars

Known for:

A protracted series of campaigns (772–804) that forcibly integrated Saxony into the Frankish realm.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Saxon Wars were 32 years of campaigns and insurrections from 772, when Charlemagne first entered Saxony with the intent to conquer, to 804 when the last rebellion of tribesmen was defeated. In all, 18 campaigns were fought, primarily in what is now northern Germany. They resulted in the incorporation of Saxony into the Frankish realm and their forcible conversion from Germanic paganism to Christianity. The Saxons were divided into four subgroups in four regions. Nearest to the Frankish kingdom of Austrasia was Westphalia, and farthest was Eastphalia.

Career & Major Achievements

In between the two kingdoms was Engria (or Engern), and to the north at the base of the Jutland peninsula was Nordalbingia. Despite repeated setbacks, the Saxons resisted steadfastly, returning to raid Charlemagne's domains as soon as he turned his attention elsewhere. Their main leader Widukind was a resilient and resourceful opponent, but he was defeated and baptized in 785. In January 772, the sacking and burning of the church of Deventer by a Saxon expedition was the casus belli for the first war waged by Charlemagne against the Saxons. It began with a Frankish invasion of Saxon territory and the subjugation of the Engrians and destruction of their sacred symbol Irminsul near Paderborn in 772 or 773 at Eresburg.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Irminsul may have been a hollow tree trunk, presumably representing the pillar supporting the skies—similar to the Nordic tree Yggdrasil and apparently a common belief among the Germanic peoples. Charlemagne's campaign led all the way to the Weser River and destroyed several major Saxon strongholds. After negotiating with some Saxon nobles and obtaining hostages, Charlemagne turned his attention to his war against the Lombards in northern Italy; but Saxon free tenants, led by Widukind, continued to resist and raided Frankish lands in the Rhine region. Armed confrontations continued unabated for years. Charlemagne's second campaign came in 775.

Notable Quotes by Saxon Wars

“The war that had lasted so many years was at length ended by their acceding to the terms offered by the King; which were renunciation of their national religious customs and the worship of devils, acceptance of the sacraments of the Christian faith and religion, and union with the Franks to form one people.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Saxon Wars

True or False: “The Saxon Wars concluded entirely in 804 CE, preventing any further resistance for centuries.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the major campaigns ended by 804, a later uprising known as the Stellinga occurred between 841 and 845.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Saxon Wars