Battle of Fontenoy

A major battle fought in 841 near Fontenoy, in which Lothair I’s forces fought those of Louis the German and Charles the Bald during the Carolingian civil war.

Treaty of Verdun: The 843 agreement that divided the Carolingian Empire among Lothair I, Louis the German, and Charles the Bald. It formalized the division for which the brothers had fought at Fontenoy.
Lothair I: The eldest son of Louis the Pious, who ruled as emperor and king of Middle Francia. He led the side defeated at Fontenoy while asserting authority over his brothers.
Oath of Strasbourg: The 842 alliance sworn by Charles the Bald and Louis the German against Lothair I. The brothers renewed their alliance after Fontenoy as Lothair remained a threat.
Middle Francia: The central kingdom allotted to Lothair I after the division of the Carolingian Empire in 843. Lothair retained a central realm despite his defeat at Fontenoy.
Carolingian civil war: The conflict among Charlemagne’s heirs over control and division of the Carolingian Empire. Fontenoy was one of the civil war’s decisive battles.
Louis the German: A son of Louis the Pious who ruled East Francia and fought his brother Lothair I. His forces joined Charles the Bald against Lothair at Fontenoy.
Annals of Saint-Bertin: A Frankish chronicle covering events from 830 to 882, composed by successive authors. The annals preserve a near-contemporary record of the conflict surrounding Fontenoy.
West Francia: The western kingdom ruled by Charles the Bald after the division of the Carolingian Empire. The victory helped secure Charles’s position in the west.
Ordinatio Imperii: Louis the Pious’s 817 decree establishing a hierarchy of succession among his sons. Its succession plan was repeatedly challenged, setting the stage for conflict among the heirs.
Charles the Bald: A son of Louis the Pious who became king of West Francia and later emperor. He allied with Louis the German and fought at Fontenoy.

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