Carloman I
Carloman I (28 June 751 – 4 December 771) was a King of the Franks from 768 until his death in 771. He was a member of the Carolingian dynasty, which played a pivotal role in the formation of medieval Europe. Carloman I was the second surviving son of Pepin the Short and Bertrada of Laon.
Early Life and Coronation
At the tender age of three, Carloman, along with his father Pepin the Short and elder brother Charlemagne, was anointed King of the Franks and titled "Patrician of the Romans" by Pope Stephen II. This anointing took place as Pope Stephen II sought Frankish assistance against the Lombards, a Germanic people who had established a kingdom in Italy.
Division of the Frankish Kingdom
Upon the death of their father Pepin in 768, Carloman and Charlemagne inherited the Kingdom of the Franks. The realm was divided between the two brothers, with Carloman's share situated in the central region of the kingdom. His domain included the Parisian basin, the Massif Central, the Languedoc, Provence, Burgundy, southern Austrasia, Alsace, and Alemannia, with his capital at Soissons.
The territories under Carloman's control were less lucrative compared to Charlemagne’s but were strategically easier to defend. This division reflected the complex nature of Frankish politics, where inheritance rights were often contested. Some historians suggest that both brothers believed they had rightful claims to the entire kingdom—Charlemagne by virtue of being the elder, and Carloman as the legitimate heir, given that there were claims, though not universally accepted, that Charlemagne's birth in 742 was illegitimate.
Relations with Charlemagne
The relationship between Carloman and Charlemagne is often depicted as strained, marked by distrust and rivalry. The division of the Frankish kingdom had exacerbated tensions, as each brother yearned for supremacy. The situation was further complicated by external influences and alliances, notably with the Lombard King Desiderius, who sided with Carloman's sons after his death, supporting their claim to their father's inheritance.
Marriage and Family
Carloman was married to Gerberga, who played a significant role in the political landscape following his death. After Carloman passed away in 771, Gerberga fled to the Lombard kingdom seeking refuge and support, an action that escalated tensions between Charlemagne and the Lombards.
Death and Legacy
Carloman's sudden death in 771 left a power vacuum that Charlemagne quickly exploited, consolidating his power over the entire Frankish kingdom. This unification laid the groundwork for Charlemagne's later conquests and the expansion of the Carolingian Empire. Carloman's legacy is overshadowed by that of his brother, but his reign remains a critical chapter in the history of the Frankish realm and the Carolingian dynasty.