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Oct 1, 732
Battle of Tours
At this battle, Charles "The Hammer" Martel managed to beat the overwhelming odds and defeat the invading Muslims. Because of this he was creditied with being the Savior of Christendom. This helped the Carolingians usurp the power from the Merovingians later on. -
Jan 6, 754
Pepin the Short Takes Control over the Empire
On this Day Pope Stephen II anointed Pepin the Short in the Basilica of St. Denis king of the Franks. This lavish celebration really cemented Pepin the Short's power over the Franks. -
Crowing of Charlemagne
While in Rome at mass while kneeling on the altar Pope Leo III placed a golden crown upon Charlemagne's head making him king of the Holy Roman Empire. He was really the first king of the Holy Roman Empire -
Bloody Verdict of Verden
Charlemagne launched over 50 military campaigns over his career to expand his empire. However he was failing to convert the rebellious Saxons to Christianity. So he decreed the what became known as the bloody verdict of Verden. Somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000 Saxon men were beheaded because of this. This shows Charlemagne's lack of understanding of his religion. -
Death of Pepin the Short
In 768 Pepin the Short dies leaving the empire to his two sons; Carloman and Charlemagne. Soon after Carloman would die under mysterious cirumstances and Charlemagne would assume the throne.
