anted to actually rule the Frankish territory as a kingdom, with a central government. 768-814Charles was about 6 feet tall, with a thick neck and deep chest. He had red hair, blue eyes, and had the stamina of a bull. He wasnt a great general, but he made up for that with his sheer persistence and ability to just wear his enemy down. Charles was ambitious, aggressive, and ruthless and possessed of enormous energy. He was quite an insomniac and frequently plotted his next moves in the dead of night. He was married at least 5 times, had a large family, and liked them to be around him at all times. He never allowed his daughters to be married. Some say it was because he didnt want the political headaches, but others think he genuinely wanted them to be nearby. CONQUESTS1. LombardyIn the 500s, the Lombards moved into Italy. They were known for being the most vicious of all the Germanic tribes. They destroyed what was left of Roman culture and took everything they could. They settled there for about the next 200 years, until Charles came to town. Charles was married to the sister of a Lombard king, but he didnt like her so he sent her back. The King was pretty hot, and swore to get back at Charles however he could. He tried to conspire with some of the Frankish nobility. Charles now had all the excuse he needed. He invaded Italy in 773. Defeated and captured the King, who he sent off to a monastery for safe keeping. Charles then proclaimed himself King of the area, and history speaks of the Lombards no more. The Germans will continue to have claims to territory in Italy until World War I because of this. 2. SaxonySaxony, today NW Germany and pieces of the Netherlands, was ruled by the Saxons, who had not converted to Christianity. They were semi-nomadic, but also were not adverse to the occasional raid on manors under Charles control. Charles didnt like this. So, he decided that it was in his best interests and, oh yeah, the church, too, to ...
