Aquitaine & Vasconia: Submissions, Revolts, the Kingdom of Aquitaine (768–814)

In the southwest, Frankish authority is old but unstable. Aquitaine and Vasconia (linked to Basque populations) remain a permanent test for Carolingian monarchy: controlling the land means controlling routes, loyalties, and the Pyrenean frontier.

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✅ 768–771: a still fragile inheritance

In 768, Pepin dies just as Aquitaine has been brought back to obedience: Duke Waïfre has been assassinated by close associates. During the 768–771 co‑rule, the duchy is split between Charles and Carloman, maintaining uncertainty.

In 769, Hunald (linked to the old ducal dynasty) leaves his monastic retreat and resumes the struggle. He takes refuge in Vasconia, but Duke Lupus II ultimately submits and hands Hunald over to Charles. Aquitaine then returns durably under Frankish control.

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👑 781: a Kingdom of Aquitaine

In 781, Charlemagne entrusts Aquitaine to his son Louis (future Louis the Pious), crowned in Rome as king of Aquitaine. The goal is political: stabilise the South by installing a local royal power able to react quickly.

This arrangement connects with dependencies:

• south of the Garonne, a Vasconia held by dukes who submit but remain restless
• a crucial Septimania (Narbonne, Carcassonne), governed by counts and margraves

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🔥 812: a Basque revolt and renewed control

In the early 9th century, tensions reappear. In 812, Vascon leaders revolt against Carolingian authority. Louis leads an expedition beyond the Pyrenees to reassert control, taking precautions (hostages, securing retreat) to avoid ambushes.

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🧠 Key takeaways

• Aquitaine is integrated, but in stages and through recurrent crises.
• Vasconia remains a zone of unstable loyalties tied to the Pyrenean frontier.
• The Kingdom of Aquitaine (781) is a Carolingian solution to govern the South.