Saxon Wars

Saxon Wars

Frankish expansion from 481 to 814
Date772–804
Location
Result

Frankish victory

  • Conversion of the Saxons to Christianity
Territorial
changes
Belligerents
Commanders and leaders
Widukind Surrendered
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 the campaigns and insurrections of the thirty-three years 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.[1]

The Saxons were divided into four subgroups in four regions. Nearest to the ancient Frankish kingdom of Austrasia was Westphalia, and farthest was Eastphalia. In between the two kingdoms was that of Engria (or Engern), and north of the three, 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 eventually was defeated and baptized (in 785).

  1. ^ Jennifer R. Davis (2015), Charlemagne's Practice of Empire (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), p. 179. The Royal Frankish Annals record battles in the years 772–780, 782–785, 793–799, 802 and 804.