768–771: Co‑Rule and the Fracture Between Brothers

When Pepin the Short dies in 768, his two sons become kings: Charles and Carloman. This co‑rule follows Frankish custom, but it creates a structural tension: two courts, two clienteles, two logics.

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⚖️ A division that does not erase rivalry

Before his death, Pepin planned a division of the kingdom. It does not cut space into two simple sets: territories are distributed in a complex way. Charles’s lands form more of a western arc, while Carloman’s concentrate further east; Austrasia, Neustria, and Aquitaine are split.

On 9 October 768, each is proclaimed king by his own followers: Charles at Noyon, Carloman at Soissons. Co‑rule thus begins under the sign of a double legitimacy — but a separated one.

The problem is not only territorial. It is political:

• each brother must consolidate his supporters
• each joint decision can become a test of strength
• the kingdom’s unity depends on a fragile balance

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🧭 769–771: Aquitaine and the “Lombard question”

In the first years, Charles is absorbed by Aquitaine, which he handles without Carloman’s help. Then the years 769–771 are marked by alliance calculations, notably around the Lombards and marriage plans, complicating cooperation.

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🧠 771: unified decision

In 771, Carloman dies suddenly at the Carolingian palace of Samoussy, near Laon. Charles seizes his brother’s lands and sets aside his nephews’ rights. Carloman’s widow, Gerberga, takes refuge in Italy with the Lombard king.

This moment is decisive: it makes a coherent, continuous strategy possible, without permanent negotiation between brothers.

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🧠 Key takeaways

• 768–771 is a phase of uncertainty: two kings, one dynasty.
• 771 makes political decision‑making unified around Charles.
• “Charlemagne scale” becomes possible when power becomes unified.