Saxon Wars
| Saxon Wars | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frankish expansion from 481 to 814 | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
| Widukind | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| Unknown | |||||||||
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, 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.
The Saxons were divided into four subgroups in four regions. Nearest to the Frankish kingdom of Austrasia was Westphalia, and farthest was Eastphalia. In between the two kingdoms was Engria (or Engern), and to the north 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 he was defeated and baptized in 785.