Waïfre and the War of Aquitaine (760–768)

In the southwest, Aquitaine is not a homogeneous bloc: it is a space of local powers, aristocratic loyalties, and fortresses. For Pepin the Short, the question is simple: can a Carolingian kingdom last if a major region lives almost like a kingdom within the kingdom?

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👤 Waïfre: autonomy in resistance

Duke Waïfre (or Waiofar) embodies Aquitanian autonomy. He relies on local networks and on favourable geography (valleys, forests, distances) to resist Frankish expeditions.

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⚔️ A war of campaigns and sieges

Between 760 and 768, Pepin leads repeated campaigns. They alternate:

• taking and destroying strongholds
• punitive expeditions against local alliances
• negotiations and shifts of loyalty

This war is also a school: it trains the military cadres who will later accompany Charlemagne.

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🧠 Key takeaways

• Aquitaine is a political unity issue, not only a “border war”.
• Frankish victory is gradual and relies on sieges and networks.
• Pepin’s campaigns prepare the ground for Charlemagne’s reign.