Louis the Pious

Louis the Pious, future Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, was born to Charlemagne and Hildegard in Chasseneuil, Aquitaine.

At the age of three, Louis was baptized and anointed King of Aquitaine by Pope Adrian I, solidifying his position as a ruler.

Louis received a comprehensive education in Aachen, including military training and religious instruction, preparing him for his future role.

Charlemagne designated Louis as his successor, dividing the empire among his sons, with Louis receiving the largest portion.

Upon Charlemagne's death, Louis the Pious succeeded as Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, inheriting a vast and complex realm.

Louis the Pious was crowned Emperor by Pope Stephen IV in Reims, solidifying his authority and religious legitimacy.

Louis issued the Ordinatio Imperii, a decree that outlined the division of the empire among his sons, aiming to ensure stability and succession.

Louis reconciled with his brother Lothair, who had rebelled against him, in a ceremony at Attigny, improving internal relations.

Louis initiated reforms in the Frankish Church, emphasizing clerical discipline and the promotion of religious education and morality.

Louis successfully suppressed a rebellion in Bavaria led by his nephew, Berengar of Bavaria, reinforcing his control over the empire.

Louis faced a revolt by his sons, Lothair, Pepin, and Louis the German, who sought to redistribute the empire among themselves.

Louis was deposed by his sons at the Assembly of Soissons but was later restored to power with the support of the Church and loyal nobles.

Louis reconciled with his sons at the Assembly of Thionville, temporarily restoring peace and unity within the empire.

Louis revised the Ordinatio Imperii, adjusting the division of the empire among his sons to reflect recent events and political changes.

Louis the Pious died in Ingelheim, leaving a legacy of reform and centralization, though his empire soon faced division among his sons.