Saxon Wars facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saxon Wars |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Frankish expansion from 481 to 814 |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
| Carolingian Empire Obotrite Confederacy |
Saxons Frisians |
||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
| Charlemagne Chamberlain Adalgisile † Constable Geilo † Count Palatine Worad † Count Theodoric † |
Widukind  |
||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| Unknown | 4,500 executed in 782 2,800–4,000 killed in 798 7,070 deported in 795 1,600 deported in 798 10,000 deported in 804 |
||||||||
The Saxon Wars were a series of long and tough fights between the Franks, led by Charlemagne, and the Saxons. These wars lasted for 33 years, from 772 to 804. They happened mostly in what is now northern Germany. The main goal for Charlemagne was to bring Saxony into his Frankish kingdom. He also wanted to change the Saxons' religion from their traditional beliefs to Christianity.
Contents
Understanding the Saxon Wars
The Saxon Wars were not just one big battle. They were many smaller fights and uprisings. Charlemagne's army went into Saxony 18 times during these years. Each time, they tried to take control and make the Saxons follow Frankish rules.
Who Were the Saxons?
The Saxons were a group of tribes living in northern Europe. They had their own leaders and their own religion, which was a type of Germanic paganism. They were known for being fierce and independent. They did not want to be ruled by Charlemagne or change their way of life.
Why Did the Wars Happen?
Charlemagne, the powerful king of the Franks, wanted to expand his empire. He also believed it was his duty to spread Christianity. The Saxons, however, often raided Frankish lands. This gave Charlemagne a reason to invade Saxony. He wanted to stop the raids and bring the Saxons under his control and into the Christian faith.
Key Events and Battles
The Saxon Wars were a cycle of Frankish invasions and Saxon rebellions. Charlemagne would conquer an area, and then the Saxons would rise up again.
The Start of the Conflict (772)
The wars began in 772 when Charlemagne attacked a Saxon stronghold called Eresburg. He destroyed their sacred symbol, the Irminsul. This was a very important tree or pillar for the Saxons. Destroying it was a big insult and a clear sign of war.
Major Uprisings and Leaders
One of the most famous Saxon leaders was Widukind. He was a strong fighter who led many rebellions against Charlemagne.
The Battle of Süntel (782)
In 782, the Saxons, led by Widukind, won a big victory against a Frankish army at the Battle of Süntel. This made Charlemagne very angry.
The Blood Court of Verden (782)
After the defeat at Süntel, Charlemagne ordered a terrible event known as the Blood Court of Verden. He had 4,500 Saxon prisoners executed. This was meant to scare the Saxons into giving up, but it only made them more determined to fight.
Widukind's Surrender (785)
Despite the ongoing resistance, Charlemagne kept pushing. In 785, Widukind finally agreed to surrender. He was baptized as a Christian, and for a while, there was peace.
Later Rebellions and Deportations
Even after Widukind's surrender, some Saxons continued to rebel. Charlemagne used harsh methods to keep control. He deported (moved by force) thousands of Saxons from their homes to other parts of his empire. For example:
- 7,070 Saxons were deported in 795.
- 1,600 Saxons were deported in 798.
- 10,000 Saxons were deported in 804.
These actions were meant to break the Saxon spirit and prevent future uprisings.
The End of the Wars (804)
The Saxon Wars officially ended in 804. By this time, Charlemagne had finally brought Saxony under Frankish rule. The Saxons were forced to become Christians, and their land became part of the Frankish Empire. This long conflict changed the map of Europe and spread Christianity further north.
Images for kids
-
Charlemagne and the Saxons, A. de Neuville, c. 1869
-
Conversion of the Saxons, A. de Neuville, c. 1869
See also
In Spanish: Guerras sajonas para niños
