Individual Details
Judith "The Fair" of Bavaria
(804 - 19 Apr 843)
Wikipedia provides the following information on Judith "The Fair" of Bavaria.
The Civil War[edit]
Imperial succession and partition: Charles's role[edit]
On the 9th of April 817 a timber roof collapsed on Louis and his men in Aachen. The event shocked Louis and led the emperor to reconsider the distribution of his power and succession for his heirs. The ordinatio Imperii was a reconfiguration and re-imagining of in the division of Charlemagne’s inheritance, which he had always envisioned but never fully implemented. The ordinatio imperii stated that Louis oldest son Lothar would become co-emperor upon the death of Charlemagne, and would receive the whole of Frankia. It also stated that Lothar’s younger brothers, Pippin, aged 19, and Louis the German, aged 10, would inherit Aquitaine and Bavaria respectively (the regna).
A major sticking point that concerned Lothar was Louis’ nineteen-year-old nephew Bernard of Italy getting in the way of his eventual rise to power. Bernard had been ruling Italy since 810. Yet, the ordinatio imperii did not specify Bernard as the immediate successor and continued ruler of Italy. Consequently Bernard, alarmed by the fact that his future inheritance was at stake, rose up against Louis. The rebellion was swiftly quelled by Louis’ forces. Bernard was blinded and would eventually die on April 17 818[9]
The birth of Charles as well as Lothar’s marriage in 821 meant that two imperial households were now vying for control.[9] The strain over how to interpret the ordinatio imperii coupled with the fact that Judith would most likely outlive her husband, meant that it became imperative for Judith to establish a political base of her own, not only for her own safety and the continuation of her queenship, but also for the safety of her son.
In a letter written by Agobard of Lyons to Louis, Agobard articulates the way in which Louis altered the division of power amongst his sons. Here we see that Judith’s son Charles is granted more power than Louis’ other sons, which places Judith and the kingdom in a precarious state of affairs
And thus you carried out everything that should have been done in such a situation, with such faith, with such hope, that no one would doubt that this was infused and inspired in you by God. You assigned parts of your kingdom to the rest of your sons but - that the kingdom might be one and not three - you set [the son] whom you made the sharer in your title, over the others. And then you ordered these actions to be written down and, once written, to be signed and corroborated. Then, you sent [the son, Charles] who had been made consort in your title to Rome, your deeds to be approved and confirmed by the highest pontiff. Then you ordered all to swear that they would all follow and preserve such an election and division. No one considered this oath irrelevant or worthy of scorn but rather timely and legitimate, since it seemed to pertain to peace and concord. And over the course of time, whenever and wherever imperial letters were sent, they contained the names of both emperors.
- Agobard of Lyons
Judith as advocate for Charles[edit]
Most information on Judith surrounds the activities for her son and her attempts to ensure his succession to the throne. Their political futures depended on each other; if Judith were widowed, her future as an empress could potentially be threatened by stepsons that no longer had familial or political concerns for her wellbeing.[10] Outlined in a letter to Pope Nicholas I Judith, upon Charles’s birth, sent a ring to Eboo, the archbishop of Rheims, asking him to pray for the health of Charles, but also promising that if he ever sent the ring back to her in times of trouble she would help him.[1] Politically this move is significant given that Eboo was one of the most powerful people in the land and a “milkbrother” and friend of Louis.[1] This marks a distinct effort on the part of Judith to bolster her influence and secure the political future of her son.
Charles The Bald, French painting, 19th century, unknown painter
The poem by a court poet Ermoldus Nigellus, Poem in Honor of Louis, provides insight into Judith’s influence over her son Charles. The scene describes Judith and Charles interacting while Louis goes on a hunt:
Judith, who has with her the young Charles; In a twinkling she passes by, placing her faith in her feet--If flight does not give her aid, surely she will perish. Seeing this, the young Charles begs for a horse,For he desires to do as his father does;Earnestly he pleads for weapons, for a quiver and quick-striking arrows, And wishes to go in pursuit, as his father so often does.He pours prayers upon prayers, but his beautiful mother Prevents him from leaving, and refuses his wishes.If his teacher and his mother do not restrain the impetuous youth (As youths are wont to do), he shall chase after on foot
- Ermoldus Nigellus, Agobard of Lyons
[11]
Not only does this highlight Judith’s role as an influential force in Charles’ life, but it also establishes an ambitious young Charles as a son that follows in the footsteps of his father Louis-which aligns Charles as the natural heir to Louis throne.
Later on Charles is showcased in procession in a collection of poetry by Ermold the Black. In the procession described by Ermold, Judith follows her son, but is flanked on either side by the magnates Hugh, count of Tours, and Lothar's father-in-law, and Matfrid, count of Orleans. This might be suggestive of two things: first, it might signify Charles dynastic right to rule, and second, that Judith was already by 826, during the childhood of Charles, attempting to cultivate Lothar's sympathies and place herself and her son in a politically favourable position, given that both magnates had extremely close ties with Lothar.[1]
The three sons of Louis the Pious revolted against their father in order to control the ordering of the Carolingian succession. It was Judith’s dominance and control of the court, thereby being able to dictate who saw Louis and influence him, that was the focus of their revolt. In order to seize control of the king and consequently the Carolingian succession they had to replace the current court, controlled by Judith, with their own. Judith was accused of having an incestuous relationship with Louis the Pious’s godson, Bernard of Septimania (who was the lynchpin of her court). This led to her capture and exile to Italy at the nunnery of Saint Radegund in 830. After the crisis she returned to Aachen and continued her effort to see that Charles would take control.[3]
Given Judith’s role in court and her rise in power, especially in the waning year of Louis's life, the political ties that Judith had built in court became the political ties of Charles. These included, amongst others, Walahfrid, Lupus of Ferrières, the palace clerics Prudentius, Wenilo and Berno, and the seneschal Adalard.[9]
Several marriages in 839 sought to solidify a future for Charles and an entente with Lothar. The first was the marriage of Gisele, the daughter of Louis and Judith, to Eberhard, the duke of Friuli, who was a leading supporter of Lothar. A second such marriage was that between Judith’s brother Conrad with Adelaide, Lothar’s sister in law.[9]
Judith also collaborated with the magnates that worked on the will of Louis in order to promote Charles. Fearing that Louis would pass before the matter was settled and thereby incur the wrath of his step brothers, Judith advised that Louis take to his aid one of his three sons (Pippin, Lothar or Louis) in order to unite Charles and one of the brothers in mutual interest should a revolt happen after Louis's death.[9]
After Louis's death Judith helped and assisted Charles in his campaigns against Lothar. She sent troops to assist Charles in his endeavour to secure Aquitaine and the majority of Francia in order to reduce the number of competitors.[9] Judith, however, did have influence over her son Charles. When archbishop George was taken prisoner after a battle in which 40,000 men fell on the side of Lothar and Pippin, Judith counselled Charles to be merciful towards the archbishop, which Andreas Agnellus of Ravenna recalled as For my part I’ll let you go-as my mother tells me to.[9]
Scandals: Contemporary criticisms of Judith's role and behavior[edit]
However, the rise of Judith’s power, influence and activity in the court sparked resentment towards her. Agobard of Lyons, a supporter of Lothar, wrote two tracts Two Books in Favor of the Sons and against Judith the Wife of Louis in 833. These tracts were meant as propaganda against Judith from the court of Lothar in order to undermine her court and influence. The tracts themselves attack her character, claiming her to be of a cunning and underhanded nature and of corrupting her husband. These attacks were predominantly anti-feminist in nature. When Louis still did not sever marital ties with Judith, Agobard claimed that Judith’s extramarital affairs were carried out “first secretly and later impudently”.[5] Paschasius Radbertus accused Judith by associating her with the engagement in debauchery and witchcraft. of filling the palace with “soothsayers... seers and mutes as well as dream interpreters and those who consult entrail, indeed all those skilled in malign craft”
Judith of Bavaria
Characterized as a Jezebel and a Justina[clarification needed], Judith was accused by one of her enemies, Paschasius Radbertus, of engaging in debauchery and witchcraft with her purported lover, Count Bernard of Septimania, Louis’ chamberlain and trusted adviser. This portrayal and image stands in contrast to poems about Judith.[3] The poems depict her as “a second biblical Judith, a Mary sister of Aaron in her musical abilities, a Saphho, a prophetess, cultivated, chaste, intelligent, pious, strong in spirit, and sweet in conversation”[3]
However, Judith also garnered devotion and respect. Hrabanus Maurus wrote a dedicatory letter to Judith, exalting her ”praiseworthy intellect”[12] and for her “good works”.[12] The letter commends her in the turbulent times amidst battles, wishing that she may see victory amidst the struggles she is facing. It also implores her “to follow through with a good deed once you have begun it”[12] and “to improve yourself at all times”. Most strikingly the letter wishes Judith to look to the biblical Queen Esther, the wife of Xerxes I as inspiration and as a role model
Likewise, O queen, forever keep your eyes of your heart fixed upon Queen Esther as a model of dutiful and holy behaviour so that by equalling her holiness you might be able to climb from this earthly kingdom to the heights of the heavenly kingdom
- Hrabanus Maurus
Disgrace and exile[edit]
Judith was left alone in 830 in Aachen, as Louis decided to undertake a campaign into Brittany. The campaign itself, however, was greatly opposed, because of its difficulties. Some of the magnates attempted to alter the attitudes of the people and turn them against Louis. The plot was to dispose of the Louis the Pious, “to destroy their stepmother and kill Bernard”.[9]
Prior to Easter Week in 830 (17-24 April) Pippin, with Lothar's consent, and with a large proportion of the people “took away from the Emperor his royal power, and also his wife”. Judith was veiled (“the female equivalent of tonsuring rival claimants to the throne”[9] and sent to the convent of St Radegund at Poitiers in the same year.
At an assembly held on 1 October at Nijmegen, between the Emperor, the Saxons and East Franks, it was adjudged, by “all the bishops, abbots, counts and other Franks” that Judith, even though she was taken unjustly, should be brought back and made to either stand trial for any crime she may have committed to “undergo the judgment of the Franks”[9]
In 831, around the 1st of February Judith stood trial at the assembly arranged by the Lord Emperor. At the assembly she “declared her willingness to purge herself on all the charges levelled against her”. No one was found in the general assembly who wanted to charge her for any crime. She purged herself, by the customs of the Franks, of all the things that she had been accused of.[9]
Later life[edit]
Louis' restoration to the throne and Judith's return[edit]
In 833 Louis heard news of his sons, Pippin, Lothar and Louis the German, allying in order to orchestrate a revolt against him. Louis failed to prevent the revolt and was overthrown, resulting in Lothar seizing power.[8] For Judith the coup resulted in her exile in Italy at the civitas of Tortona.[13] Louis spent the next year in Aachen as a captive of Lothar. Pippin and Louis the German, however, condemned the treatment of their father by Lothar and in 834 summoned armies from Aquitaine, Bavarians, Austrasians, Saxons, Alemans and the Franks to rise up against Lothar. Hearing of the vast armies approaching him Lothar fled, leaving his father behind. Louis thus regained control and offered to forgive Lothar for his actions. Lothar, however, scorned the offer. It was during this turbulent political to-and-fro that followers of Louis the Pious who were in Italy, Bishop Ratold, Count Boniface and Pippin among them, heard of a plot to kill Judith. With their help Judith escaped and returned to Aachen in the same year.[13]
Death of Louis and Judith's career as widow[edit]
Louis died in 840 at his palace in Ingelheim, leaving Judith a widow. She, however, continued to support her son Charles in his military campaigns and endeavours, gathering troops from Aquentine in 841. In April of that same year Charles received his crown and all of his royal attire, which contemporaries of the time herald as a divine act.[4] Most likely, however, Judith was well aware of Charles’s location and had sent the royal artifacts to meet up with her son.
Death[edit]
Charles married Ermentrude in 842 and fathered a daughter, Judith of Flanders, in 844, named after his mother. This marriage, however, proved futile for Judith’s career, power and influence. With the introduction of a new queen Judith became of ex officio importance, resulting in her forced retirement as well as withdrawal of the lands and wealth under her control. Her health began to fail in 842, and she died on the 19th of April 843 in Tours, outliving her husband by three years, after more than a year of ill health, including coughing and dizziness. It is believed that she was around 40 years of age when she died, her husband had been closer to 62.[3] She was buried at the Basilica of St-Martins.[1]
-- MERGED NOTE ------------
Wikipedia provides the following information on Judith "The Fair" of Bavaria.
The Civil War[edit]
Imperial succession and partition: Charles's role[edit]
On the 9th of April 817 a timber roof collapsed on Louis and his men in Aachen. The event shocked Louis and led the emperor to reconsider the distribution of his power and succession for his heirs. The ordinatio Imperii was a reconfiguration and re-imagining of in the division of Charlemagne’s inheritance, which he had always envisioned but never fully implemented. The ordinatio imperii stated that Louis oldest son Lothar would become co-emperor upon the death of Charlemagne, and would receive the whole of Frankia. It also stated that Lothar’s younger brothers, Pippin, aged 19, and Louis the German, aged 10, would inherit Aquitaine and Bavaria respectively (the regna).
A major sticking point that concerned Lothar was Louis’ nineteen-year-old nephew Bernard of Italy getting in the way of his eventual rise to power. Bernard had been ruling Italy since 810. Yet, the ordinatio imperii did not specify Bernard as the immediate successor and continued ruler of Italy. Consequently Bernard, alarmed by the fact that his future inheritance was at stake, rose up against Louis. The rebellion was swiftly quelled by Louis’ forces. Bernard was blinded and would eventually die on April 17 818[9]
The birth of Charles as well as Lothar’s marriage in 821 meant that two imperial households were now vying for control.[9] The strain over how to interpret the ordinatio imperii coupled with the fact that Judith would most likely outlive her husband, meant that it became imperative for Judith to establish a political base of her own, not only for her own safety and the continuation of her queenship, but also for the safety of her son.
In a letter written by Agobard of Lyons to Louis, Agobard articulates the way in which Louis altered the division of power amongst his sons. Here we see that Judith’s son Charles is granted more power than Louis’ other sons, which places Judith and the kingdom in a precarious state of affairs
And thus you carried out everything that should have been done in such a situation, with such faith, with such hope, that no one would doubt that this was infused and inspired in you by God. You assigned parts of your kingdom to the rest of your sons but - that the kingdom might be one and not three - you set [the son] whom you made the sharer in your title, over the others. And then you ordered these actions to be written down and, once written, to be signed and corroborated. Then, you sent [the son, Charles] who had been made consort in your title to Rome, your deeds to be approved and confirmed by the highest pontiff. Then you ordered all to swear that they would all follow and preserve such an election and division. No one considered this oath irrelevant or worthy of scorn but rather timely and legitimate, since it seemed to pertain to peace and concord. And over the course of time, whenever and wherever imperial letters were sent, they contained the names of both emperors.
- Agobard of Lyons
Judith as advocate for Charles[edit]
Most information on Judith surrounds the activities for her son and her attempts to ensure his succession to the throne. Their political futures depended on each other; if Judith were widowed, her future as an empress could potentially be threatened by stepsons that no longer had familial or political concerns for her wellbeing.[10] Outlined in a letter to Pope Nicholas I Judith, upon Charles’s birth, sent a ring to Eboo, the archbishop of Rheims, asking him to pray for the health of Charles, but also promising that if he ever sent the ring back to her in times of trouble she would help him.[1] Politically this move is significant given that Eboo was one of the most powerful people in the land and a “milkbrother” and friend of Louis.[1] This marks a distinct effort on the part of Judith to bolster her influence and secure the political future of her son.
Charles The Bald, French painting, 19th century, unknown painter
The poem by a court poet Ermoldus Nigellus, Poem in Honor of Louis, provides insight into Judith’s influence over her son Charles. The scene describes Judith and Charles interacting while Louis goes on a hunt:
Judith, who has with her the young Charles; In a twinkling she passes by, placing her faith in her feet--If flight does not give her aid, surely she will perish. Seeing this, the young Charles begs for a horse,For he desires to do as his father does;Earnestly he pleads for weapons, for a quiver and quick-striking arrows, And wishes to go in pursuit, as his father so often does.He pours prayers upon prayers, but his beautiful mother Prevents him from leaving, and refuses his wishes.If his teacher and his mother do not restrain the impetuous youth (As youths are wont to do), he shall chase after on foot
- Ermoldus Nigellus, Agobard of Lyons
[11]
Not only does this highlight Judith’s role as an influential force in Charles’ life, but it also establishes an ambitious young Charles as a son that follows in the footsteps of his father Louis-which aligns Charles as the natural heir to Louis throne.
Later on Charles is showcased in procession in a collection of poetry by Ermold the Black. In the procession described by Ermold, Judith follows her son, but is flanked on either side by the magnates Hugh, count of Tours, and Lothar's father-in-law, and Matfrid, count of Orleans. This might be suggestive of two things: first, it might signify Charles dynastic right to rule, and second, that Judith was already by 826, during the childhood of Charles, attempting to cultivate Lothar's sympathies and place herself and her son in a politically favourable position, given that both magnates had extremely close ties with Lothar.[1]
The three sons of Louis the Pious revolted against their father in order to control the ordering of the Carolingian succession. It was Judith’s dominance and control of the court, thereby being able to dictate who saw Louis and influence him, that was the focus of their revolt. In order to seize control of the king and consequently the Carolingian succession they had to replace the current court, controlled by Judith, with their own. Judith was accused of having an incestuous relationship with Louis the Pious’s godson, Bernard of Septimania (who was the lynchpin of her court). This led to her capture and exile to Italy at the nunnery of Saint Radegund in 830. After the crisis she returned to Aachen and continued her effort to see that Charles would take control.[3]
Given Judith’s role in court and her rise in power, especially in the waning year of Louis's life, the political ties that Judith had built in court became the political ties of Charles. These included, amongst others, Walahfrid, Lupus of Ferrières, the palace clerics Prudentius, Wenilo and Berno, and the seneschal Adalard.[9]
Several marriages in 839 sought to solidify a future for Charles and an entente with Lothar. The first was the marriage of Gisele, the daughter of Louis and Judith, to Eberhard, the duke of Friuli, who was a leading supporter of Lothar. A second such marriage was that between Judith’s brother Conrad with Adelaide, Lothar’s sister in law.[9]
Judith also collaborated with the magnates that worked on the will of Louis in order to promote Charles. Fearing that Louis would pass before the matter was settled and thereby incur the wrath of his step brothers, Judith advised that Louis take to his aid one of his three sons (Pippin, Lothar or Louis) in order to unite Charles and one of the brothers in mutual interest should a revolt happen after Louis's death.[9]
After Louis's death Judith helped and assisted Charles in his campaigns against Lothar. She sent troops to assist Charles in his endeavour to secure Aquitaine and the majority of Francia in order to reduce the number of competitors.[9] Judith, however, did have influence over her son Charles. When archbishop George was taken prisoner after a battle in which 40,000 men fell on the side of Lothar and Pippin, Judith counselled Charles to be merciful towards the archbishop, which Andreas Agnellus of Ravenna recalled as For my part I’ll let you go-as my mother tells me to.[9]
Scandals: Contemporary criticisms of Judith's role and behavior[edit]
However, the rise of Judith’s power, influence and activity in the court sparked resentment towards her. Agobard of Lyons, a supporter of Lothar, wrote two tracts Two Books in Favor of the Sons and against Judith the Wife of Louis in 833. These tracts were meant as propaganda against Judith from the court of Lothar in order to undermine her court and influence. The tracts themselves attack her character, claiming her to be of a cunning and underhanded nature and of corrupting her husband. These attacks were predominantly anti-feminist in nature. When Louis still did not sever marital ties with Judith, Agobard claimed that Judith’s extramarital affairs were carried out “first secretly and later impudently”.[5] Paschasius Radbertus accused Judith by associating her with the engagement in debauchery and witchcraft. of filling the palace with “soothsayers... seers and mutes as well as dream interpreters and those who consult entrail, indeed all those skilled in malign craft”
Judith of Bavaria
Characterized as a Jezebel and a Justina[clarification needed], Judith was accused by one of her enemies, Paschasius Radbertus, of engaging in debauchery and witchcraft with her purported lover, Count Bernard of Septimania, Louis’ chamberlain and trusted adviser. This portrayal and image stands in contrast to poems about Judith.[3] The poems depict her as “a second biblical Judith, a Mary sister of Aaron in her musical abilities, a Saphho, a prophetess, cultivated, chaste, intelligent, pious, strong in spirit, and sweet in conversation”[3]
However, Judith also garnered devotion and respect. Hrabanus Maurus wrote a dedicatory letter to Judith, exalting her ”praiseworthy intellect”[12] and for her “good works”.[12] The letter commends her in the turbulent times amidst battles, wishing that she may see victory amidst the struggles she is facing. It also implores her “to follow through with a good deed once you have begun it”[12] and “to improve yourself at all times”. Most strikingly the letter wishes Judith to look to the biblical Queen Esther, the wife of Xerxes I as inspiration and as a role model
Likewise, O queen, forever keep your eyes of your heart fixed upon Queen Esther as a model of dutiful and holy behaviour so that by equalling her holiness you might be able to climb from this earthly kingdom to the heights of the heavenly kingdom
- Hrabanus Maurus
Disgrace and exile[edit]
Judith was left alone in 830 in Aachen, as Louis decided to undertake a campaign into Brittany. The campaign itself, however, was greatly opposed, because of its difficulties. Some of the magnates attempted to alter the attitudes of the people and turn them against Louis. The plot was to dispose of the Louis the Pious, “to destroy their stepmother and kill Bernard”.[9]
Prior to Easter Week in 830 (17-24 April) Pippin, with Lothar's consent, and with a large proportion of the people “took away from the Emperor his royal power, and also his wife”. Judith was veiled (“the female equivalent of tonsuring rival claimants to the throne”[9] and sent to the convent of St Radegund at Poitiers in the same year.
At an assembly held on 1 October at Nijmegen, between the Emperor, the Saxons and East Franks, it was adjudged, by “all the bishops, abbots, counts and other Franks” that Judith, even though she was taken unjustly, should be brought back and made to either stand trial for any crime she may have committed to “undergo the judgment of the Franks”[9]
In 831, around the 1st of February Judith stood trial at the assembly arranged by the Lord Emperor. At the assembly she “declared her willingness to purge herself on all the charges levelled against her”. No one was found in the general assembly who wanted to charge her for any crime. She purged herself, by the customs of the Franks, of all the things that she had been accused of.[9]
Later life[edit]
Louis' restoration to the throne and Judith's return[edit]
In 833 Louis heard news of his sons, Pippin, Lothar and Louis the German, allying in order to orchestrate a revolt against him. Louis failed to prevent the revolt and was overthrown, resulting in Lothar seizing power.[8] For Judith the coup resulted in her exile in Italy at the civitas of Tortona.[13] Louis spent the next year in Aachen as a captive of Lothar. Pippin and Louis the German, however, condemned the treatment of their father by Lothar and in 834 summoned armies from Aquitaine, Bavarians, Austrasians, Saxons, Alemans and the Franks to rise up against Lothar. Hearing of the vast armies approaching him Lothar fled, leaving his father behind. Louis thus regained control and offered to forgive Lothar for his actions. Lothar, however, scorned the offer. It was during this turbulent political to-and-fro that followers of Louis the Pious who were in Italy, Bishop Ratold, Count Boniface and Pippin among them, heard of a plot to kill Judith. With their help Judith escaped and returned to Aachen in the same year.[13]
Death of Louis and Judith's career as widow[edit]
Louis died in 840 at his palace in Ingelheim, leaving Judith a widow. She, however, continued to support her son Charles in his military campaigns and endeavours, gathering troops from Aquentine in 841. In April of that same year Charles received his crown and all of his royal attire, which contemporaries of the time herald as a divine act.[4] Most likely, however, Judith was well aware of Charles’s location and had sent the royal artifacts to meet up with her son.
Death[edit]
Charles married Ermentrude in 842 and fathered a daughter, Judith of Flanders, in 844, named after his mother. This marriage, however, proved futile for Judith’s career, power and influence. With the introduction of a new queen Judith became of ex officio importance, resulting in her forced retirement as well as withdrawal of the lands and wealth under her control. Her health began to fail in 842, and she died on the 19th of April 843 in Tours, outliving her husband by three years, after more than a year of ill health, including coughing and dizziness. It is believed that she was around 40 years of age when she died, her husband had been closer to 62.[3] She was buried at the Basilica of St-Martins.[1]
-- MERGED NOTE ------------
Wikipedia provides the following information on Judith "The Fair" of Bavaria.
The Civil War[edit]
Imperial succession and partition: Charles's role[edit]
On the 9th of April 817 a timber roof collapsed on Louis and his men in Aachen. The event shocked Louis and led the emperor to reconsider the distribution of his power and succession for his heirs. The ordinatio Imperii was a reconfiguration and re-imagining of in the division of Charlemagne’s inheritance, which he had always envisioned but never fully implemented. The ordinatio imperii stated that Louis oldest son Lothar would become co-emperor upon the death of Charlemagne, and would receive the whole of Frankia. It also stated that Lothar’s younger brothers, Pippin, aged 19, and Louis the German, aged 10, would inherit Aquitaine and Bavaria respectively (the regna).
A major sticking point that concerned Lothar was Louis’ nineteen-year-old nephew Bernard of Italy getting in the way of his eventual rise to power. Bernard had been ruling Italy since 810. Yet, the ordinatio imperii did not specify Bernard as the immediate successor and continued ruler of Italy. Consequently Bernard, alarmed by the fact that his future inheritance was at stake, rose up against Louis. The rebellion was swiftly quelled by Louis’ forces. Bernard was blinded and would eventually die on April 17 818[9]
The birth of Charles as well as Lothar’s marriage in 821 meant that two imperial households were now vying for control.[9] The strain over how to interpret the ordinatio imperii coupled with the fact that Judith would most likely outlive her husband, meant that it became imperative for Judith to establish a political base of her own, not only for her own safety and the continuation of her queenship, but also for the safety of her son.
In a letter written by Agobard of Lyons to Louis, Agobard articulates the way in which Louis altered the division of power amongst his sons. Here we see that Judith’s son Charles is granted more power than Louis’ other sons, which places Judith and the kingdom in a precarious state of affairs
And thus you carried out everything that should have been done in such a situation, with such faith, with such hope, that no one would doubt that this was infused and inspired in you by God. You assigned parts of your kingdom to the rest of your sons but - that the kingdom might be one and not three - you set [the son] whom you made the sharer in your title, over the others. And then you ordered these actions to be written down and, once written, to be signed and corroborated. Then, you sent [the son, Charles] who had been made consort in your title to Rome, your deeds to be approved and confirmed by the highest pontiff. Then you ordered all to swear that they would all follow and preserve such an election and division. No one considered this oath irrelevant or worthy of scorn but rather timely and legitimate, since it seemed to pertain to peace and concord. And over the course of time, whenever and wherever imperial letters were sent, they contained the names of both emperors.
- Agobard of Lyons
Judith as advocate for Charles[edit]
Most information on Judith surrounds the activities for her son and her attempts to ensure his succession to the throne. Their political futures depended on each other; if Judith were widowed, her future as an empress could potentially be threatened by stepsons that no longer had familial or political concerns for her wellbeing.[10] Outlined in a letter to Pope Nicholas I Judith, upon Charles’s birth, sent a ring to Eboo, the archbishop of Rheims, asking him to pray for the health of Charles, but also promising that if he ever sent the ring back to her in times of trouble she would help him.[1] Politically this move is significant given that Eboo was one of the most powerful people in the land and a “milkbrother” and friend of Louis.[1] This marks a distinct effort on the part of Judith to bolster her influence and secure the political future of her son.
Charles The Bald, French painting, 19th century, unknown painter
The poem by a court poet Ermoldus Nigellus, Poem in Honor of Louis, provides insight into Judith’s influence over her son Charles. The scene describes Judith and Charles interacting while Louis goes on a hunt:
Judith, who has with her the young Charles; In a twinkling she passes by, placing her faith in her feet--If flight does not give her aid, surely she will perish. Seeing this, the young Charles begs for a horse,For he desires to do as his father does;Earnestly he pleads for weapons, for a quiver and quick-striking arrows, And wishes to go in pursuit, as his father so often does.He pours prayers upon prayers, but his beautiful mother Prevents him from leaving, and refuses his wishes.If his teacher and his mother do not restrain the impetuous youth (As youths are wont to do), he shall chase after on foot
- Ermoldus Nigellus, Agobard of Lyons
[11]
Not only does this highlight Judith’s role as an influential force in Charles’ life, but it also establishes an ambitious young Charles as a son that follows in the footsteps of his father Louis-which aligns Charles as the natural heir to Louis throne.
Later on Charles is showcased in procession in a collection of poetry by Ermold the Black. In the procession described by Ermold, Judith follows her son, but is flanked on either side by the magnates Hugh, count of Tours, and Lothar's father-in-law, and Matfrid, count of Orleans. This might be suggestive of two things: first, it might signify Charles dynastic right to rule, and second, that Judith was already by 826, during the childhood of Charles, attempting to cultivate Lothar's sympathies and place herself and her son in a politically favourable position, given that both magnates had extremely close ties with Lothar.[1]
The three sons of Louis the Pious revolted against their father in order to control the ordering of the Carolingian succession. It was Judith’s dominance and control of the court, thereby being able to dictate who saw Louis and influence him, that was the focus of their revolt. In order to seize control of the king and consequently the Carolingian succession they had to replace the current court, controlled by Judith, with their own. Judith was accused of having an incestuous relationship with Louis the Pious’s godson, Bernard of Septimania (who was the lynchpin of her court). This led to her capture and exile to Italy at the nunnery of Saint Radegund in 830. After the crisis she returned to Aachen and continued her effort to see that Charles would take control.[3]
Given Judith’s role in court and her rise in power, especially in the waning year of Louis's life, the political ties that Judith had built in court became the political ties of Charles. These included, amongst others, Walahfrid, Lupus of Ferrières, the palace clerics Prudentius, Wenilo and Berno, and the seneschal Adalard.[9]
Several marriages in 839 sought to solidify a future for Charles and an entente with Lothar. The first was the marriage of Gisele, the daughter of Louis and Judith, to Eberhard, the duke of Friuli, who was a leading supporter of Lothar. A second such marriage was that between Judith’s brother Conrad with Adelaide, Lothar’s sister in law.[9]
Judith also collaborated with the magnates that worked on the will of Louis in order to promote Charles. Fearing that Louis would pass before the matter was settled and thereby incur the wrath of his step brothers, Judith advised that Louis take to his aid one of his three sons (Pippin, Lothar or Louis) in order to unite Charles and one of the brothers in mutual interest should a revolt happen after Louis's death.[9]
After Louis's death Judith helped and assisted Charles in his campaigns against Lothar. She sent troops to assist Charles in his endeavour to secure Aquitaine and the majority of Francia in order to reduce the number of competitors.[9] Judith, however, did have influence over her son Charles. When archbishop George was taken prisoner after a battle in which 40,000 men fell on the side of Lothar and Pippin, Judith counselled Charles to be merciful towards the archbishop, which Andreas Agnellus of Ravenna recalled as For my part I’ll let you go-as my mother tells me to.[9]
Scandals: Contemporary criticisms of Judith's role and behavior[edit]
However, the rise of Judith’s power, influence and activity in the court sparked resentment towards her. Agobard of Lyons, a supporter of Lothar, wrote two tracts Two Books in Favor of the Sons and against Judith the Wife of Louis in 833. These tracts were meant as propaganda against Judith from the court of Lothar in order to undermine her court and influence. The tracts themselves attack her character, claiming her to be of a cunning and underhanded nature and of corrupting her husband. These attacks were predominantly anti-feminist in nature. When Louis still did not sever marital ties with Judith, Agobard claimed that Judith’s extramarital affairs were carried out “first secretly and later impudently”.[5] Paschasius Radbertus accused Judith by associating her with the engagement in debauchery and witchcraft. of filling the palace with “soothsayers... seers and mutes as well as dream interpreters and those who consult entrail, indeed all those skilled in malign craft”
Judith of Bavaria
Characterized as a Jezebel and a Justina[clarification needed], Judith was accused by one of her enemies, Paschasius Radbertus, of engaging in debauchery and witchcraft with her purported lover, Count Bernard of Septimania, Louis’ chamberlain and trusted adviser. This portrayal and image stands in contrast to poems about Judith.[3] The poems depict her as “a second biblical Judith, a Mary sister of Aaron in her musical abilities, a Saphho, a prophetess, cultivated, chaste, intelligent, pious, strong in spirit, and sweet in conversation”[3]
However, Judith also garnered devotion and respect. Hrabanus Maurus wrote a dedicatory letter to Judith, exalting her ”praiseworthy intellect”[12] and for her “good works”.[12] The letter commends her in the turbulent times amidst battles, wishing that she may see victory amidst the struggles she is facing. It also implores her “to follow through with a good deed once you have begun it”[12] and “to improve yourself at all times”. Most strikingly the letter wishes Judith to look to the biblical Queen Esther, the wife of Xerxes I as inspiration and as a role model
Likewise, O queen, forever keep your eyes of your heart fixed upon Queen Esther as a model of dutiful and holy behaviour so that by equalling her holiness you might be able to climb from this earthly kingdom to the heights of the heavenly kingdom
- Hrabanus Maurus
Disgrace and exile[edit]
Judith was left alone in 830 in Aachen, as Louis decided to undertake a campaign into Brittany. The campaign itself, however, was greatly opposed, because of its difficulties. Some of the magnates attempted to alter the attitudes of the people and turn them against Louis. The plot was to dispose of the Louis the Pious, “to destroy their stepmother and kill Bernard”.[9]
Prior to Easter Week in 830 (17-24 April) Pippin, with Lothar's consent, and with a large proportion of the people “took away from the Emperor his royal power, and also his wife”. Judith was veiled (“the female equivalent of tonsuring rival claimants to the throne”[9] and sent to the convent of St Radegund at Poitiers in the same year.
At an assembly held on 1 October at Nijmegen, between the Emperor, the Saxons and East Franks, it was adjudged, by “all the bishops, abbots, counts and other Franks” that Judith, even though she was taken unjustly, should be brought back and made to either stand trial for any crime she may have committed to “undergo the judgment of the Franks”[9]
In 831, around the 1st of February Judith stood trial at the assembly arranged by the Lord Emperor. At the assembly she “declared her willingness to purge herself on all the charges levelled against her”. No one was found in the general assembly who wanted to charge her for any crime. She purged herself, by the customs of the Franks, of all the things that she had been accused of.[9]
Later life[edit]
Louis' restoration to the throne and Judith's return[edit]
In 833 Louis heard news of his sons, Pippin, Lothar and Louis the German, allying in order to orchestrate a revolt against him. Louis failed to prevent the revolt and was overthrown, resulting in Lothar seizing power.[8] For Judith the coup resulted in her exile in Italy at the civitas of Tortona.[13] Louis spent the next year in Aachen as a captive of Lothar. Pippin and Louis the German, however, condemned the treatment of their father by Lothar and in 834 summoned armies from Aquitaine, Bavarians, Austrasians, Saxons, Alemans and the Franks to rise up against Lothar. Hearing of the vast armies approaching him Lothar fled, leaving his father behind. Louis thus regained control and offered to forgive Lothar for his actions. Lothar, however, scorned the offer. It was during this turbulent political to-and-fro that followers of Louis the Pious who were in Italy, Bishop Ratold, Count Boniface and Pippin among them, heard of a plot to kill Judith. With their help Judith escaped and returned to Aachen in the same year.[13]
Death of Louis and Judith's career as widow[edit]
Louis died in 840 at his palace in Ingelheim, leaving Judith a widow. She, however, continued to support her son Charles in his military campaigns and endeavours, gathering troops from Aquentine in 841. In April of that same year Charles received his crown and all of his royal attire, which contemporaries of the time herald as a divine act.[4] Most likely, however, Judith was well aware of Charles’s location and had sent the royal artifacts to meet up with her son.
Death[edit]
Charles married Ermentrude in 842 and fathered a daughter, Judith of Flanders, in 844, named after his mother. This marriage, however, proved futile for Judith’s career, power and influence. With the introduction of a new queen Judith became of ex officio importance, resulting in her forced retirement as well as withdrawal of the lands and wealth under her control. Her health began to fail in 842, and she died on the 19th of April 843 in Tours, outliving her husband by three years, after more than a year of ill health, including coughing and dizziness. It is believed that she was around 40 years of age when she died, her husband had been closer to 62.[3] She was buried at the Basilica of St-Martins.[1]
The Civil War[edit]
Imperial succession and partition: Charles's role[edit]
On the 9th of April 817 a timber roof collapsed on Louis and his men in Aachen. The event shocked Louis and led the emperor to reconsider the distribution of his power and succession for his heirs. The ordinatio Imperii was a reconfiguration and re-imagining of in the division of Charlemagne’s inheritance, which he had always envisioned but never fully implemented. The ordinatio imperii stated that Louis oldest son Lothar would become co-emperor upon the death of Charlemagne, and would receive the whole of Frankia. It also stated that Lothar’s younger brothers, Pippin, aged 19, and Louis the German, aged 10, would inherit Aquitaine and Bavaria respectively (the regna).
A major sticking point that concerned Lothar was Louis’ nineteen-year-old nephew Bernard of Italy getting in the way of his eventual rise to power. Bernard had been ruling Italy since 810. Yet, the ordinatio imperii did not specify Bernard as the immediate successor and continued ruler of Italy. Consequently Bernard, alarmed by the fact that his future inheritance was at stake, rose up against Louis. The rebellion was swiftly quelled by Louis’ forces. Bernard was blinded and would eventually die on April 17 818[9]
The birth of Charles as well as Lothar’s marriage in 821 meant that two imperial households were now vying for control.[9] The strain over how to interpret the ordinatio imperii coupled with the fact that Judith would most likely outlive her husband, meant that it became imperative for Judith to establish a political base of her own, not only for her own safety and the continuation of her queenship, but also for the safety of her son.
In a letter written by Agobard of Lyons to Louis, Agobard articulates the way in which Louis altered the division of power amongst his sons. Here we see that Judith’s son Charles is granted more power than Louis’ other sons, which places Judith and the kingdom in a precarious state of affairs
And thus you carried out everything that should have been done in such a situation, with such faith, with such hope, that no one would doubt that this was infused and inspired in you by God. You assigned parts of your kingdom to the rest of your sons but - that the kingdom might be one and not three - you set [the son] whom you made the sharer in your title, over the others. And then you ordered these actions to be written down and, once written, to be signed and corroborated. Then, you sent [the son, Charles] who had been made consort in your title to Rome, your deeds to be approved and confirmed by the highest pontiff. Then you ordered all to swear that they would all follow and preserve such an election and division. No one considered this oath irrelevant or worthy of scorn but rather timely and legitimate, since it seemed to pertain to peace and concord. And over the course of time, whenever and wherever imperial letters were sent, they contained the names of both emperors.
- Agobard of Lyons
Judith as advocate for Charles[edit]
Most information on Judith surrounds the activities for her son and her attempts to ensure his succession to the throne. Their political futures depended on each other; if Judith were widowed, her future as an empress could potentially be threatened by stepsons that no longer had familial or political concerns for her wellbeing.[10] Outlined in a letter to Pope Nicholas I Judith, upon Charles’s birth, sent a ring to Eboo, the archbishop of Rheims, asking him to pray for the health of Charles, but also promising that if he ever sent the ring back to her in times of trouble she would help him.[1] Politically this move is significant given that Eboo was one of the most powerful people in the land and a “milkbrother” and friend of Louis.[1] This marks a distinct effort on the part of Judith to bolster her influence and secure the political future of her son.
Charles The Bald, French painting, 19th century, unknown painter
The poem by a court poet Ermoldus Nigellus, Poem in Honor of Louis, provides insight into Judith’s influence over her son Charles. The scene describes Judith and Charles interacting while Louis goes on a hunt:
Judith, who has with her the young Charles; In a twinkling she passes by, placing her faith in her feet--If flight does not give her aid, surely she will perish. Seeing this, the young Charles begs for a horse,For he desires to do as his father does;Earnestly he pleads for weapons, for a quiver and quick-striking arrows, And wishes to go in pursuit, as his father so often does.He pours prayers upon prayers, but his beautiful mother Prevents him from leaving, and refuses his wishes.If his teacher and his mother do not restrain the impetuous youth (As youths are wont to do), he shall chase after on foot
- Ermoldus Nigellus, Agobard of Lyons
[11]
Not only does this highlight Judith’s role as an influential force in Charles’ life, but it also establishes an ambitious young Charles as a son that follows in the footsteps of his father Louis-which aligns Charles as the natural heir to Louis throne.
Later on Charles is showcased in procession in a collection of poetry by Ermold the Black. In the procession described by Ermold, Judith follows her son, but is flanked on either side by the magnates Hugh, count of Tours, and Lothar's father-in-law, and Matfrid, count of Orleans. This might be suggestive of two things: first, it might signify Charles dynastic right to rule, and second, that Judith was already by 826, during the childhood of Charles, attempting to cultivate Lothar's sympathies and place herself and her son in a politically favourable position, given that both magnates had extremely close ties with Lothar.[1]
The three sons of Louis the Pious revolted against their father in order to control the ordering of the Carolingian succession. It was Judith’s dominance and control of the court, thereby being able to dictate who saw Louis and influence him, that was the focus of their revolt. In order to seize control of the king and consequently the Carolingian succession they had to replace the current court, controlled by Judith, with their own. Judith was accused of having an incestuous relationship with Louis the Pious’s godson, Bernard of Septimania (who was the lynchpin of her court). This led to her capture and exile to Italy at the nunnery of Saint Radegund in 830. After the crisis she returned to Aachen and continued her effort to see that Charles would take control.[3]
Given Judith’s role in court and her rise in power, especially in the waning year of Louis's life, the political ties that Judith had built in court became the political ties of Charles. These included, amongst others, Walahfrid, Lupus of Ferrières, the palace clerics Prudentius, Wenilo and Berno, and the seneschal Adalard.[9]
Several marriages in 839 sought to solidify a future for Charles and an entente with Lothar. The first was the marriage of Gisele, the daughter of Louis and Judith, to Eberhard, the duke of Friuli, who was a leading supporter of Lothar. A second such marriage was that between Judith’s brother Conrad with Adelaide, Lothar’s sister in law.[9]
Judith also collaborated with the magnates that worked on the will of Louis in order to promote Charles. Fearing that Louis would pass before the matter was settled and thereby incur the wrath of his step brothers, Judith advised that Louis take to his aid one of his three sons (Pippin, Lothar or Louis) in order to unite Charles and one of the brothers in mutual interest should a revolt happen after Louis's death.[9]
After Louis's death Judith helped and assisted Charles in his campaigns against Lothar. She sent troops to assist Charles in his endeavour to secure Aquitaine and the majority of Francia in order to reduce the number of competitors.[9] Judith, however, did have influence over her son Charles. When archbishop George was taken prisoner after a battle in which 40,000 men fell on the side of Lothar and Pippin, Judith counselled Charles to be merciful towards the archbishop, which Andreas Agnellus of Ravenna recalled as For my part I’ll let you go-as my mother tells me to.[9]
Scandals: Contemporary criticisms of Judith's role and behavior[edit]
However, the rise of Judith’s power, influence and activity in the court sparked resentment towards her. Agobard of Lyons, a supporter of Lothar, wrote two tracts Two Books in Favor of the Sons and against Judith the Wife of Louis in 833. These tracts were meant as propaganda against Judith from the court of Lothar in order to undermine her court and influence. The tracts themselves attack her character, claiming her to be of a cunning and underhanded nature and of corrupting her husband. These attacks were predominantly anti-feminist in nature. When Louis still did not sever marital ties with Judith, Agobard claimed that Judith’s extramarital affairs were carried out “first secretly and later impudently”.[5] Paschasius Radbertus accused Judith by associating her with the engagement in debauchery and witchcraft. of filling the palace with “soothsayers... seers and mutes as well as dream interpreters and those who consult entrail, indeed all those skilled in malign craft”
Judith of Bavaria
Characterized as a Jezebel and a Justina[clarification needed], Judith was accused by one of her enemies, Paschasius Radbertus, of engaging in debauchery and witchcraft with her purported lover, Count Bernard of Septimania, Louis’ chamberlain and trusted adviser. This portrayal and image stands in contrast to poems about Judith.[3] The poems depict her as “a second biblical Judith, a Mary sister of Aaron in her musical abilities, a Saphho, a prophetess, cultivated, chaste, intelligent, pious, strong in spirit, and sweet in conversation”[3]
However, Judith also garnered devotion and respect. Hrabanus Maurus wrote a dedicatory letter to Judith, exalting her ”praiseworthy intellect”[12] and for her “good works”.[12] The letter commends her in the turbulent times amidst battles, wishing that she may see victory amidst the struggles she is facing. It also implores her “to follow through with a good deed once you have begun it”[12] and “to improve yourself at all times”. Most strikingly the letter wishes Judith to look to the biblical Queen Esther, the wife of Xerxes I as inspiration and as a role model
Likewise, O queen, forever keep your eyes of your heart fixed upon Queen Esther as a model of dutiful and holy behaviour so that by equalling her holiness you might be able to climb from this earthly kingdom to the heights of the heavenly kingdom
- Hrabanus Maurus
Disgrace and exile[edit]
Judith was left alone in 830 in Aachen, as Louis decided to undertake a campaign into Brittany. The campaign itself, however, was greatly opposed, because of its difficulties. Some of the magnates attempted to alter the attitudes of the people and turn them against Louis. The plot was to dispose of the Louis the Pious, “to destroy their stepmother and kill Bernard”.[9]
Prior to Easter Week in 830 (17-24 April) Pippin, with Lothar's consent, and with a large proportion of the people “took away from the Emperor his royal power, and also his wife”. Judith was veiled (“the female equivalent of tonsuring rival claimants to the throne”[9] and sent to the convent of St Radegund at Poitiers in the same year.
At an assembly held on 1 October at Nijmegen, between the Emperor, the Saxons and East Franks, it was adjudged, by “all the bishops, abbots, counts and other Franks” that Judith, even though she was taken unjustly, should be brought back and made to either stand trial for any crime she may have committed to “undergo the judgment of the Franks”[9]
In 831, around the 1st of February Judith stood trial at the assembly arranged by the Lord Emperor. At the assembly she “declared her willingness to purge herself on all the charges levelled against her”. No one was found in the general assembly who wanted to charge her for any crime. She purged herself, by the customs of the Franks, of all the things that she had been accused of.[9]
Later life[edit]
Louis' restoration to the throne and Judith's return[edit]
In 833 Louis heard news of his sons, Pippin, Lothar and Louis the German, allying in order to orchestrate a revolt against him. Louis failed to prevent the revolt and was overthrown, resulting in Lothar seizing power.[8] For Judith the coup resulted in her exile in Italy at the civitas of Tortona.[13] Louis spent the next year in Aachen as a captive of Lothar. Pippin and Louis the German, however, condemned the treatment of their father by Lothar and in 834 summoned armies from Aquitaine, Bavarians, Austrasians, Saxons, Alemans and the Franks to rise up against Lothar. Hearing of the vast armies approaching him Lothar fled, leaving his father behind. Louis thus regained control and offered to forgive Lothar for his actions. Lothar, however, scorned the offer. It was during this turbulent political to-and-fro that followers of Louis the Pious who were in Italy, Bishop Ratold, Count Boniface and Pippin among them, heard of a plot to kill Judith. With their help Judith escaped and returned to Aachen in the same year.[13]
Death of Louis and Judith's career as widow[edit]
Louis died in 840 at his palace in Ingelheim, leaving Judith a widow. She, however, continued to support her son Charles in his military campaigns and endeavours, gathering troops from Aquentine in 841. In April of that same year Charles received his crown and all of his royal attire, which contemporaries of the time herald as a divine act.[4] Most likely, however, Judith was well aware of Charles’s location and had sent the royal artifacts to meet up with her son.
Death[edit]
Charles married Ermentrude in 842 and fathered a daughter, Judith of Flanders, in 844, named after his mother. This marriage, however, proved futile for Judith’s career, power and influence. With the introduction of a new queen Judith became of ex officio importance, resulting in her forced retirement as well as withdrawal of the lands and wealth under her control. Her health began to fail in 842, and she died on the 19th of April 843 in Tours, outliving her husband by three years, after more than a year of ill health, including coughing and dizziness. It is believed that she was around 40 years of age when she died, her husband had been closer to 62.[3] She was buried at the Basilica of St-Martins.[1]
-- MERGED NOTE ------------
Wikipedia provides the following information on Judith "The Fair" of Bavaria.
The Civil War[edit]
Imperial succession and partition: Charles's role[edit]
On the 9th of April 817 a timber roof collapsed on Louis and his men in Aachen. The event shocked Louis and led the emperor to reconsider the distribution of his power and succession for his heirs. The ordinatio Imperii was a reconfiguration and re-imagining of in the division of Charlemagne’s inheritance, which he had always envisioned but never fully implemented. The ordinatio imperii stated that Louis oldest son Lothar would become co-emperor upon the death of Charlemagne, and would receive the whole of Frankia. It also stated that Lothar’s younger brothers, Pippin, aged 19, and Louis the German, aged 10, would inherit Aquitaine and Bavaria respectively (the regna).
A major sticking point that concerned Lothar was Louis’ nineteen-year-old nephew Bernard of Italy getting in the way of his eventual rise to power. Bernard had been ruling Italy since 810. Yet, the ordinatio imperii did not specify Bernard as the immediate successor and continued ruler of Italy. Consequently Bernard, alarmed by the fact that his future inheritance was at stake, rose up against Louis. The rebellion was swiftly quelled by Louis’ forces. Bernard was blinded and would eventually die on April 17 818[9]
The birth of Charles as well as Lothar’s marriage in 821 meant that two imperial households were now vying for control.[9] The strain over how to interpret the ordinatio imperii coupled with the fact that Judith would most likely outlive her husband, meant that it became imperative for Judith to establish a political base of her own, not only for her own safety and the continuation of her queenship, but also for the safety of her son.
In a letter written by Agobard of Lyons to Louis, Agobard articulates the way in which Louis altered the division of power amongst his sons. Here we see that Judith’s son Charles is granted more power than Louis’ other sons, which places Judith and the kingdom in a precarious state of affairs
And thus you carried out everything that should have been done in such a situation, with such faith, with such hope, that no one would doubt that this was infused and inspired in you by God. You assigned parts of your kingdom to the rest of your sons but - that the kingdom might be one and not three - you set [the son] whom you made the sharer in your title, over the others. And then you ordered these actions to be written down and, once written, to be signed and corroborated. Then, you sent [the son, Charles] who had been made consort in your title to Rome, your deeds to be approved and confirmed by the highest pontiff. Then you ordered all to swear that they would all follow and preserve such an election and division. No one considered this oath irrelevant or worthy of scorn but rather timely and legitimate, since it seemed to pertain to peace and concord. And over the course of time, whenever and wherever imperial letters were sent, they contained the names of both emperors.
- Agobard of Lyons
Judith as advocate for Charles[edit]
Most information on Judith surrounds the activities for her son and her attempts to ensure his succession to the throne. Their political futures depended on each other; if Judith were widowed, her future as an empress could potentially be threatened by stepsons that no longer had familial or political concerns for her wellbeing.[10] Outlined in a letter to Pope Nicholas I Judith, upon Charles’s birth, sent a ring to Eboo, the archbishop of Rheims, asking him to pray for the health of Charles, but also promising that if he ever sent the ring back to her in times of trouble she would help him.[1] Politically this move is significant given that Eboo was one of the most powerful people in the land and a “milkbrother” and friend of Louis.[1] This marks a distinct effort on the part of Judith to bolster her influence and secure the political future of her son.
Charles The Bald, French painting, 19th century, unknown painter
The poem by a court poet Ermoldus Nigellus, Poem in Honor of Louis, provides insight into Judith’s influence over her son Charles. The scene describes Judith and Charles interacting while Louis goes on a hunt:
Judith, who has with her the young Charles; In a twinkling she passes by, placing her faith in her feet--If flight does not give her aid, surely she will perish. Seeing this, the young Charles begs for a horse,For he desires to do as his father does;Earnestly he pleads for weapons, for a quiver and quick-striking arrows, And wishes to go in pursuit, as his father so often does.He pours prayers upon prayers, but his beautiful mother Prevents him from leaving, and refuses his wishes.If his teacher and his mother do not restrain the impetuous youth (As youths are wont to do), he shall chase after on foot
- Ermoldus Nigellus, Agobard of Lyons
[11]
Not only does this highlight Judith’s role as an influential force in Charles’ life, but it also establishes an ambitious young Charles as a son that follows in the footsteps of his father Louis-which aligns Charles as the natural heir to Louis throne.
Later on Charles is showcased in procession in a collection of poetry by Ermold the Black. In the procession described by Ermold, Judith follows her son, but is flanked on either side by the magnates Hugh, count of Tours, and Lothar's father-in-law, and Matfrid, count of Orleans. This might be suggestive of two things: first, it might signify Charles dynastic right to rule, and second, that Judith was already by 826, during the childhood of Charles, attempting to cultivate Lothar's sympathies and place herself and her son in a politically favourable position, given that both magnates had extremely close ties with Lothar.[1]
The three sons of Louis the Pious revolted against their father in order to control the ordering of the Carolingian succession. It was Judith’s dominance and control of the court, thereby being able to dictate who saw Louis and influence him, that was the focus of their revolt. In order to seize control of the king and consequently the Carolingian succession they had to replace the current court, controlled by Judith, with their own. Judith was accused of having an incestuous relationship with Louis the Pious’s godson, Bernard of Septimania (who was the lynchpin of her court). This led to her capture and exile to Italy at the nunnery of Saint Radegund in 830. After the crisis she returned to Aachen and continued her effort to see that Charles would take control.[3]
Given Judith’s role in court and her rise in power, especially in the waning year of Louis's life, the political ties that Judith had built in court became the political ties of Charles. These included, amongst others, Walahfrid, Lupus of Ferrières, the palace clerics Prudentius, Wenilo and Berno, and the seneschal Adalard.[9]
Several marriages in 839 sought to solidify a future for Charles and an entente with Lothar. The first was the marriage of Gisele, the daughter of Louis and Judith, to Eberhard, the duke of Friuli, who was a leading supporter of Lothar. A second such marriage was that between Judith’s brother Conrad with Adelaide, Lothar’s sister in law.[9]
Judith also collaborated with the magnates that worked on the will of Louis in order to promote Charles. Fearing that Louis would pass before the matter was settled and thereby incur the wrath of his step brothers, Judith advised that Louis take to his aid one of his three sons (Pippin, Lothar or Louis) in order to unite Charles and one of the brothers in mutual interest should a revolt happen after Louis's death.[9]
After Louis's death Judith helped and assisted Charles in his campaigns against Lothar. She sent troops to assist Charles in his endeavour to secure Aquitaine and the majority of Francia in order to reduce the number of competitors.[9] Judith, however, did have influence over her son Charles. When archbishop George was taken prisoner after a battle in which 40,000 men fell on the side of Lothar and Pippin, Judith counselled Charles to be merciful towards the archbishop, which Andreas Agnellus of Ravenna recalled as For my part I’ll let you go-as my mother tells me to.[9]
Scandals: Contemporary criticisms of Judith's role and behavior[edit]
However, the rise of Judith’s power, influence and activity in the court sparked resentment towards her. Agobard of Lyons, a supporter of Lothar, wrote two tracts Two Books in Favor of the Sons and against Judith the Wife of Louis in 833. These tracts were meant as propaganda against Judith from the court of Lothar in order to undermine her court and influence. The tracts themselves attack her character, claiming her to be of a cunning and underhanded nature and of corrupting her husband. These attacks were predominantly anti-feminist in nature. When Louis still did not sever marital ties with Judith, Agobard claimed that Judith’s extramarital affairs were carried out “first secretly and later impudently”.[5] Paschasius Radbertus accused Judith by associating her with the engagement in debauchery and witchcraft. of filling the palace with “soothsayers... seers and mutes as well as dream interpreters and those who consult entrail, indeed all those skilled in malign craft”
Judith of Bavaria
Characterized as a Jezebel and a Justina[clarification needed], Judith was accused by one of her enemies, Paschasius Radbertus, of engaging in debauchery and witchcraft with her purported lover, Count Bernard of Septimania, Louis’ chamberlain and trusted adviser. This portrayal and image stands in contrast to poems about Judith.[3] The poems depict her as “a second biblical Judith, a Mary sister of Aaron in her musical abilities, a Saphho, a prophetess, cultivated, chaste, intelligent, pious, strong in spirit, and sweet in conversation”[3]
However, Judith also garnered devotion and respect. Hrabanus Maurus wrote a dedicatory letter to Judith, exalting her ”praiseworthy intellect”[12] and for her “good works”.[12] The letter commends her in the turbulent times amidst battles, wishing that she may see victory amidst the struggles she is facing. It also implores her “to follow through with a good deed once you have begun it”[12] and “to improve yourself at all times”. Most strikingly the letter wishes Judith to look to the biblical Queen Esther, the wife of Xerxes I as inspiration and as a role model
Likewise, O queen, forever keep your eyes of your heart fixed upon Queen Esther as a model of dutiful and holy behaviour so that by equalling her holiness you might be able to climb from this earthly kingdom to the heights of the heavenly kingdom
- Hrabanus Maurus
Disgrace and exile[edit]
Judith was left alone in 830 in Aachen, as Louis decided to undertake a campaign into Brittany. The campaign itself, however, was greatly opposed, because of its difficulties. Some of the magnates attempted to alter the attitudes of the people and turn them against Louis. The plot was to dispose of the Louis the Pious, “to destroy their stepmother and kill Bernard”.[9]
Prior to Easter Week in 830 (17-24 April) Pippin, with Lothar's consent, and with a large proportion of the people “took away from the Emperor his royal power, and also his wife”. Judith was veiled (“the female equivalent of tonsuring rival claimants to the throne”[9] and sent to the convent of St Radegund at Poitiers in the same year.
At an assembly held on 1 October at Nijmegen, between the Emperor, the Saxons and East Franks, it was adjudged, by “all the bishops, abbots, counts and other Franks” that Judith, even though she was taken unjustly, should be brought back and made to either stand trial for any crime she may have committed to “undergo the judgment of the Franks”[9]
In 831, around the 1st of February Judith stood trial at the assembly arranged by the Lord Emperor. At the assembly she “declared her willingness to purge herself on all the charges levelled against her”. No one was found in the general assembly who wanted to charge her for any crime. She purged herself, by the customs of the Franks, of all the things that she had been accused of.[9]
Later life[edit]
Louis' restoration to the throne and Judith's return[edit]
In 833 Louis heard news of his sons, Pippin, Lothar and Louis the German, allying in order to orchestrate a revolt against him. Louis failed to prevent the revolt and was overthrown, resulting in Lothar seizing power.[8] For Judith the coup resulted in her exile in Italy at the civitas of Tortona.[13] Louis spent the next year in Aachen as a captive of Lothar. Pippin and Louis the German, however, condemned the treatment of their father by Lothar and in 834 summoned armies from Aquitaine, Bavarians, Austrasians, Saxons, Alemans and the Franks to rise up against Lothar. Hearing of the vast armies approaching him Lothar fled, leaving his father behind. Louis thus regained control and offered to forgive Lothar for his actions. Lothar, however, scorned the offer. It was during this turbulent political to-and-fro that followers of Louis the Pious who were in Italy, Bishop Ratold, Count Boniface and Pippin among them, heard of a plot to kill Judith. With their help Judith escaped and returned to Aachen in the same year.[13]
Death of Louis and Judith's career as widow[edit]
Louis died in 840 at his palace in Ingelheim, leaving Judith a widow. She, however, continued to support her son Charles in his military campaigns and endeavours, gathering troops from Aquentine in 841. In April of that same year Charles received his crown and all of his royal attire, which contemporaries of the time herald as a divine act.[4] Most likely, however, Judith was well aware of Charles’s location and had sent the royal artifacts to meet up with her son.
Death[edit]
Charles married Ermentrude in 842 and fathered a daughter, Judith of Flanders, in 844, named after his mother. This marriage, however, proved futile for Judith’s career, power and influence. With the introduction of a new queen Judith became of ex officio importance, resulting in her forced retirement as well as withdrawal of the lands and wealth under her control. Her health began to fail in 842, and she died on the 19th of April 843 in Tours, outliving her husband by three years, after more than a year of ill health, including coughing and dizziness. It is believed that she was around 40 years of age when she died, her husband had been closer to 62.[3] She was buried at the Basilica of St-Martins.[1]
-- MERGED NOTE ------------
Wikipedia provides the following information on Judith "The Fair" of Bavaria.
The Civil War[edit]
Imperial succession and partition: Charles's role[edit]
On the 9th of April 817 a timber roof collapsed on Louis and his men in Aachen. The event shocked Louis and led the emperor to reconsider the distribution of his power and succession for his heirs. The ordinatio Imperii was a reconfiguration and re-imagining of in the division of Charlemagne’s inheritance, which he had always envisioned but never fully implemented. The ordinatio imperii stated that Louis oldest son Lothar would become co-emperor upon the death of Charlemagne, and would receive the whole of Frankia. It also stated that Lothar’s younger brothers, Pippin, aged 19, and Louis the German, aged 10, would inherit Aquitaine and Bavaria respectively (the regna).
A major sticking point that concerned Lothar was Louis’ nineteen-year-old nephew Bernard of Italy getting in the way of his eventual rise to power. Bernard had been ruling Italy since 810. Yet, the ordinatio imperii did not specify Bernard as the immediate successor and continued ruler of Italy. Consequently Bernard, alarmed by the fact that his future inheritance was at stake, rose up against Louis. The rebellion was swiftly quelled by Louis’ forces. Bernard was blinded and would eventually die on April 17 818[9]
The birth of Charles as well as Lothar’s marriage in 821 meant that two imperial households were now vying for control.[9] The strain over how to interpret the ordinatio imperii coupled with the fact that Judith would most likely outlive her husband, meant that it became imperative for Judith to establish a political base of her own, not only for her own safety and the continuation of her queenship, but also for the safety of her son.
In a letter written by Agobard of Lyons to Louis, Agobard articulates the way in which Louis altered the division of power amongst his sons. Here we see that Judith’s son Charles is granted more power than Louis’ other sons, which places Judith and the kingdom in a precarious state of affairs
And thus you carried out everything that should have been done in such a situation, with such faith, with such hope, that no one would doubt that this was infused and inspired in you by God. You assigned parts of your kingdom to the rest of your sons but - that the kingdom might be one and not three - you set [the son] whom you made the sharer in your title, over the others. And then you ordered these actions to be written down and, once written, to be signed and corroborated. Then, you sent [the son, Charles] who had been made consort in your title to Rome, your deeds to be approved and confirmed by the highest pontiff. Then you ordered all to swear that they would all follow and preserve such an election and division. No one considered this oath irrelevant or worthy of scorn but rather timely and legitimate, since it seemed to pertain to peace and concord. And over the course of time, whenever and wherever imperial letters were sent, they contained the names of both emperors.
- Agobard of Lyons
Judith as advocate for Charles[edit]
Most information on Judith surrounds the activities for her son and her attempts to ensure his succession to the throne. Their political futures depended on each other; if Judith were widowed, her future as an empress could potentially be threatened by stepsons that no longer had familial or political concerns for her wellbeing.[10] Outlined in a letter to Pope Nicholas I Judith, upon Charles’s birth, sent a ring to Eboo, the archbishop of Rheims, asking him to pray for the health of Charles, but also promising that if he ever sent the ring back to her in times of trouble she would help him.[1] Politically this move is significant given that Eboo was one of the most powerful people in the land and a “milkbrother” and friend of Louis.[1] This marks a distinct effort on the part of Judith to bolster her influence and secure the political future of her son.
Charles The Bald, French painting, 19th century, unknown painter
The poem by a court poet Ermoldus Nigellus, Poem in Honor of Louis, provides insight into Judith’s influence over her son Charles. The scene describes Judith and Charles interacting while Louis goes on a hunt:
Judith, who has with her the young Charles; In a twinkling she passes by, placing her faith in her feet--If flight does not give her aid, surely she will perish. Seeing this, the young Charles begs for a horse,For he desires to do as his father does;Earnestly he pleads for weapons, for a quiver and quick-striking arrows, And wishes to go in pursuit, as his father so often does.He pours prayers upon prayers, but his beautiful mother Prevents him from leaving, and refuses his wishes.If his teacher and his mother do not restrain the impetuous youth (As youths are wont to do), he shall chase after on foot
- Ermoldus Nigellus, Agobard of Lyons
[11]
Not only does this highlight Judith’s role as an influential force in Charles’ life, but it also establishes an ambitious young Charles as a son that follows in the footsteps of his father Louis-which aligns Charles as the natural heir to Louis throne.
Later on Charles is showcased in procession in a collection of poetry by Ermold the Black. In the procession described by Ermold, Judith follows her son, but is flanked on either side by the magnates Hugh, count of Tours, and Lothar's father-in-law, and Matfrid, count of Orleans. This might be suggestive of two things: first, it might signify Charles dynastic right to rule, and second, that Judith was already by 826, during the childhood of Charles, attempting to cultivate Lothar's sympathies and place herself and her son in a politically favourable position, given that both magnates had extremely close ties with Lothar.[1]
The three sons of Louis the Pious revolted against their father in order to control the ordering of the Carolingian succession. It was Judith’s dominance and control of the court, thereby being able to dictate who saw Louis and influence him, that was the focus of their revolt. In order to seize control of the king and consequently the Carolingian succession they had to replace the current court, controlled by Judith, with their own. Judith was accused of having an incestuous relationship with Louis the Pious’s godson, Bernard of Septimania (who was the lynchpin of her court). This led to her capture and exile to Italy at the nunnery of Saint Radegund in 830. After the crisis she returned to Aachen and continued her effort to see that Charles would take control.[3]
Given Judith’s role in court and her rise in power, especially in the waning year of Louis's life, the political ties that Judith had built in court became the political ties of Charles. These included, amongst others, Walahfrid, Lupus of Ferrières, the palace clerics Prudentius, Wenilo and Berno, and the seneschal Adalard.[9]
Several marriages in 839 sought to solidify a future for Charles and an entente with Lothar. The first was the marriage of Gisele, the daughter of Louis and Judith, to Eberhard, the duke of Friuli, who was a leading supporter of Lothar. A second such marriage was that between Judith’s brother Conrad with Adelaide, Lothar’s sister in law.[9]
Judith also collaborated with the magnates that worked on the will of Louis in order to promote Charles. Fearing that Louis would pass before the matter was settled and thereby incur the wrath of his step brothers, Judith advised that Louis take to his aid one of his three sons (Pippin, Lothar or Louis) in order to unite Charles and one of the brothers in mutual interest should a revolt happen after Louis's death.[9]
After Louis's death Judith helped and assisted Charles in his campaigns against Lothar. She sent troops to assist Charles in his endeavour to secure Aquitaine and the majority of Francia in order to reduce the number of competitors.[9] Judith, however, did have influence over her son Charles. When archbishop George was taken prisoner after a battle in which 40,000 men fell on the side of Lothar and Pippin, Judith counselled Charles to be merciful towards the archbishop, which Andreas Agnellus of Ravenna recalled as For my part I’ll let you go-as my mother tells me to.[9]
Scandals: Contemporary criticisms of Judith's role and behavior[edit]
However, the rise of Judith’s power, influence and activity in the court sparked resentment towards her. Agobard of Lyons, a supporter of Lothar, wrote two tracts Two Books in Favor of the Sons and against Judith the Wife of Louis in 833. These tracts were meant as propaganda against Judith from the court of Lothar in order to undermine her court and influence. The tracts themselves attack her character, claiming her to be of a cunning and underhanded nature and of corrupting her husband. These attacks were predominantly anti-feminist in nature. When Louis still did not sever marital ties with Judith, Agobard claimed that Judith’s extramarital affairs were carried out “first secretly and later impudently”.[5] Paschasius Radbertus accused Judith by associating her with the engagement in debauchery and witchcraft. of filling the palace with “soothsayers... seers and mutes as well as dream interpreters and those who consult entrail, indeed all those skilled in malign craft”
Judith of Bavaria
Characterized as a Jezebel and a Justina[clarification needed], Judith was accused by one of her enemies, Paschasius Radbertus, of engaging in debauchery and witchcraft with her purported lover, Count Bernard of Septimania, Louis’ chamberlain and trusted adviser. This portrayal and image stands in contrast to poems about Judith.[3] The poems depict her as “a second biblical Judith, a Mary sister of Aaron in her musical abilities, a Saphho, a prophetess, cultivated, chaste, intelligent, pious, strong in spirit, and sweet in conversation”[3]
However, Judith also garnered devotion and respect. Hrabanus Maurus wrote a dedicatory letter to Judith, exalting her ”praiseworthy intellect”[12] and for her “good works”.[12] The letter commends her in the turbulent times amidst battles, wishing that she may see victory amidst the struggles she is facing. It also implores her “to follow through with a good deed once you have begun it”[12] and “to improve yourself at all times”. Most strikingly the letter wishes Judith to look to the biblical Queen Esther, the wife of Xerxes I as inspiration and as a role model
Likewise, O queen, forever keep your eyes of your heart fixed upon Queen Esther as a model of dutiful and holy behaviour so that by equalling her holiness you might be able to climb from this earthly kingdom to the heights of the heavenly kingdom
- Hrabanus Maurus
Disgrace and exile[edit]
Judith was left alone in 830 in Aachen, as Louis decided to undertake a campaign into Brittany. The campaign itself, however, was greatly opposed, because of its difficulties. Some of the magnates attempted to alter the attitudes of the people and turn them against Louis. The plot was to dispose of the Louis the Pious, “to destroy their stepmother and kill Bernard”.[9]
Prior to Easter Week in 830 (17-24 April) Pippin, with Lothar's consent, and with a large proportion of the people “took away from the Emperor his royal power, and also his wife”. Judith was veiled (“the female equivalent of tonsuring rival claimants to the throne”[9] and sent to the convent of St Radegund at Poitiers in the same year.
At an assembly held on 1 October at Nijmegen, between the Emperor, the Saxons and East Franks, it was adjudged, by “all the bishops, abbots, counts and other Franks” that Judith, even though she was taken unjustly, should be brought back and made to either stand trial for any crime she may have committed to “undergo the judgment of the Franks”[9]
In 831, around the 1st of February Judith stood trial at the assembly arranged by the Lord Emperor. At the assembly she “declared her willingness to purge herself on all the charges levelled against her”. No one was found in the general assembly who wanted to charge her for any crime. She purged herself, by the customs of the Franks, of all the things that she had been accused of.[9]
Later life[edit]
Louis' restoration to the throne and Judith's return[edit]
In 833 Louis heard news of his sons, Pippin, Lothar and Louis the German, allying in order to orchestrate a revolt against him. Louis failed to prevent the revolt and was overthrown, resulting in Lothar seizing power.[8] For Judith the coup resulted in her exile in Italy at the civitas of Tortona.[13] Louis spent the next year in Aachen as a captive of Lothar. Pippin and Louis the German, however, condemned the treatment of their father by Lothar and in 834 summoned armies from Aquitaine, Bavarians, Austrasians, Saxons, Alemans and the Franks to rise up against Lothar. Hearing of the vast armies approaching him Lothar fled, leaving his father behind. Louis thus regained control and offered to forgive Lothar for his actions. Lothar, however, scorned the offer. It was during this turbulent political to-and-fro that followers of Louis the Pious who were in Italy, Bishop Ratold, Count Boniface and Pippin among them, heard of a plot to kill Judith. With their help Judith escaped and returned to Aachen in the same year.[13]
Death of Louis and Judith's career as widow[edit]
Louis died in 840 at his palace in Ingelheim, leaving Judith a widow. She, however, continued to support her son Charles in his military campaigns and endeavours, gathering troops from Aquentine in 841. In April of that same year Charles received his crown and all of his royal attire, which contemporaries of the time herald as a divine act.[4] Most likely, however, Judith was well aware of Charles’s location and had sent the royal artifacts to meet up with her son.
Death[edit]
Charles married Ermentrude in 842 and fathered a daughter, Judith of Flanders, in 844, named after his mother. This marriage, however, proved futile for Judith’s career, power and influence. With the introduction of a new queen Judith became of ex officio importance, resulting in her forced retirement as well as withdrawal of the lands and wealth under her control. Her health began to fail in 842, and she died on the 19th of April 843 in Tours, outliving her husband by three years, after more than a year of ill health, including coughing and dizziness. It is believed that she was around 40 years of age when she died, her husband had been closer to 62.[3] She was buried at the Basilica of St-Martins.[1]
Events
| Birth | 804 | Bavaria, Germany | |||
| Marriage | Feb 819 | Aachen, Germany - Louis I "The Pious," King of France | |||
| Death | 19 Apr 843 | Tours, Neustria (now Indre et Loire), France | |||
| Interred | Basilica of St-Martins - Tours, France |
Families
| Spouse | Louis I "The Pious," King of France (778 - 840) |
| Child | Gisela (819 - 874) |
| Child | Gisela (819 - 874) |
| Child | Charles II "The Bald," King of France (823 - 877) |
| Father | Welf, Count of Alemannia (776 - 825) |
| Mother | Hedwig of Bavaria (778 - 843) |
| Sibling | Emma of Altdorf (803 - 876) |
| Sibling | Conrad I "The Elder," Count of Auxerre ( - 864) |