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Massacre at Verden and the Saxon Conversion
In 782 Charlemagne executed a large number of Saxon leaders at Verden on the Weser, and that year issued the Capitulatio de partibus Saxoniae imposin…
Timeline
- 782Saxony · GermanyWidukind led the Saxons in renewed revolt; the Franks suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Sintfeld, forcing Charlemagne to break off his Spanish campaign and return to suppress it.
- 782Verden · SaxonyCharlemagne ordered the execution of a large number of surrendered Saxon leaders and warriors at Verden on the Weser, using terror to intimidate Saxon resistance.
- 782–785Saxony · GermanyCharlemagne issued the Capitulatio de partibus Saxoniae, prescribing death for refusing baptism, eating sacrificial meat, or burning pagan idols, thereby forcing the Saxons to convert to Christianity.
Sources
- Royal Frankish Annals (800)
- Capitulatio de partibus Saxoniae — Charlemagne (782)