Gone Medieval: Episode Summary - The Destruction of Charlemagne's Legacy

Podcast Information

• Title: Gone Medieval
• Host/Author: History Hit
• Episode: The Destruction of Charlemagne's Legacy
• Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Gone Medieval, hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega delve into the tumultuous period following Charlemagne's reign, exploring how his once-mighty empire quickly unraveled due to internal conflicts and power struggles among his successors. The discussion is enriched by insights from Matthew Gabriel and David Perry, authors of Oathbreakers: The War of Brothers that Shattered an Empire and Made Medieval Europe.

The Rise of the Franks and Charlemagne's Empire

Matt Lewis opens the conversation by highlighting Charlemagne's significance in resurrecting the idea of the Roman Empire, establishing a vast empire that spanned much of Western Europe, including regions like Saxony, Bavaria, and Italy. Dr. Eleanor Jaenega emphasizes the term "Franks," clarifying that it encompassed various Germanic peoples and was not confined to what we now know as French people.

Notable Quote:

"The Franks were very good about telling stories about themselves that they forgot they had made up themselves." – Dr. Eleanor Jaenega ([06:35])

Succession Disputes and the Fragility of the Empire

The discussion shifts to the rapid decline of the Carolingian Empire after Charlemagne's death. David Perry explains that the empire's dissolution within two generations was primarily due to violent succession disputes among Charlemagne's sons and grandsons. The hosts caution against viewing the Franks through a modern lens, reminding listeners that concepts like national identity were vastly different in the medieval period.

Notable Quote:

"They’re really good at killing people. I mean, that’s the really short answer." – David Perry ([06:42])

The Battle of Fontenoy: A Pivotal Conflict

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the Battle of Fontenoy in June 841. Matt Lewis and David Perry describe it as a bloody confrontation that epitomizes the fratricidal nature of the Carolingian succession wars. The battle resulted in mass slaughter, especially because it involved brothers fighting brothers, leading to deep-seated trauma and fractured loyalties within the empire.

Notable Quote:

"Fontenoy was a shock, and it really did kind of change the course of how the empire would think of itself and the Franks would think of themselves." – David Perry ([36:00])

The Treaty of Verdun: Fragmentation of the Empire

Following the Battle of Fontenoy, the Treaty of Verdun in 843 officially divided the Carolingian Empire among Charlemagne's grandsons. While intended as a temporary ceasefire, it effectively cemented the permanent fragmentation of the empire, laying the groundwork for the formation of modern European nations like France and Germany.

Notable Quote:

"The Treaty of Verdun does not exist in the modern world. There must have been something. We don't have it." – Dr. Eleanor Jaenega ([42:27])

Critique of 19th-Century Historiography

The hosts critique how 19th-century historians romanticized the Carolingian Empire, portraying it as a precursor to modern European states while glossing over the internal conflicts that led to its downfall. Matt Lewis draws parallels between the Carolingian narrative and the Whiggish interpretations of the British Empire, highlighting the dangers of viewing historical events through anachronistic biases.

Notable Quote:

"We're still trapped in that 19th-century mindset that something that moves towards empire is good." – Matt Lewis ([15:11])

Legacy and Modern Implications

Concluding the episode, Matt Lewis, Dr. Eleanor Jaenega, and David Perry reflect on the enduring legacy of the Carolingian Empire. They argue that understanding the internal dynamics and power struggles of the past offers valuable insights into the complexities of empire-building and succession, challenging simplistic narratives of inevitable progress.

Notable Quote:

"The European Middle Ages is knowable... you can do the work and you can know things about this period." – Dr. Eleanor Jaenega ([45:26])

Conclusion

This episode of Gone Medieval provides a comprehensive exploration of the factors that led to the rapid decline of Charlemagne's legacy. By examining the succession disputes, pivotal battles, and the lasting impact of historiographical interpretations, the discussion offers listeners a nuanced understanding of medieval European history and its relevance to contemporary perspectives on power and governance.

Additional Resources:

• Book Mentioned: War of Brothers that Shattered an Empire and Made Medieval Europe by Matthew Gabriel and David Perry.
• Related Episodes:
  • Episode on Charlemagne
  • Episodes on the emergence of the Carolingian Empire

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