Carolingian Dynasty

Season Three, Episode Nine: The Spanish March

The Song of Roland tells of Charlemagne's ill-fated return from Spain. Besides this central theme, was anything else in the Song accurate?

Season Three, Episode Eight: Baptism or Death

We’re going to take a look at Widukind, a great medieval resistance leader. Because, news flash, lots of people did not like Charlemagne...

Season Three, Episode Seven: The Fire of Paganism

The Franks and Saxons were no strangers to battle. However, this struggle went into high gear for 30 years during the reign of Charlemagne.

Season Three, Episode Six: The Iron Crown

This week we’re going to take a look at how, for the third time in less than two decades, the Franks and the Lombards came to blows...

Season Three, Episode Five: Little Brother

Take a look at what exactly happened between Charles and his brother Carloman from 768-771, and find out how one ended up dead...

Season Three, Episode Four: The Best Laid Plans

Take a look at the first few years of Charles and Carloman’s reign as seen through the eyes of their mother, Queen Bertrada...

Season Three, Episode Three: Pépin the Underrated

Gaining power is difficult, but holding everything together once you’ve arrived... well, therein lies the real challenge.

Season Three, Episode Two: The Donation

Frankish Kings emulated Constantine... was this used against them? Find out how the Donation of Pépin may have been based on a fraud!

Season Three, Episode One: The New King of the Mountain

Pépin le Bref is now King Pépin I, having just overthrown the last Merovingian. The Pope is on the run from the Lombards. Worlds collide...

Season Two, Episode 17: The Hammer

A year in prison. A broken army. And now caught between two tribes. No problem, Charles Martel thought. I've got them right where I want...

Season Two, Episode 16: Echoes of the Past

A powerful man, a young woman and an upset, long-suffering wife from the 7th century prove that midlife crises are timeless...

Season Two, Episode 10: Coup d’État, Part Two

"The King may let you go to a monastery, or he may choose to end your life quickly. Those are your only real options..."