Saxon Wars
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The Saxon Wars were 32 years of campaigns and insurrections from 772, when Charlemagne first entered Saxony with the intent to conquer, to 804 when the last rebellion of tribesmen was defeated. In all
Charlemagne and the Saxons, A. de Neuville, c. 1869
Conversion of the Saxons, A. de Neuville, c. 1869
Charlemagne fighting the Saxons, from a 13th century miniature
Widukind
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Widukind, also known as Wittekind and Wittikund, was a leader of the Saxons and the chief opponent of the Frankish king Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars from 777 to 785. Charlemagne ultimately prevai
Saxon Wars
…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 he was defeated and baptized in 785. In January 772, the sacking and burning of the church of Deventer…
Portrait of Widukind
Charlemagne receiving the submission of Widukind at Paderborn (Ary Scheffer, 1840)