978: Aachen and the Siege of Paris

In 978, Lothair tries to overturn the balance: an expedition toward Aachen aims to strike the Empire’s symbol and reopen the Lotharingian question.

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🧭 A “Carolingian” offensive

Aachen is not an ordinary city: it embodies imperial memory. In August 978, Lothair leads the expedition with Henry of Burgundy and Hugh Capet. He takes the city, but cannot capture Otto II nor lay hands on Charles. After several days of plunder around the palace, the army withdraws.

Chroniclers stress a highly symbolic gesture: the bronze eagle atop the palace is reoriented “toward the east”, as if sending the threat back to Saxon land.

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🛡️ Otto II’s response: pressure on the kingdom’s core

In October 978, Otto II, accompanied by Charles, invades West Francia and ravages the regions of Reims, Soissons, and Laon. The move is political: at Laon, Charles is proclaimed king by a bishop aligned with the imperial camp. Lothair flees as the enemy advances on Paris.

Defence rests on a coalition: Hugh Capet’s army holds the city. On 30 November 978, unable to take Paris, Otto and Charles lift the siege and retreat. The royal host pursues them, retakes Laon, and forces the emperor back east, taking with him the “imposed” king he failed to install durably.

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🧠 Key takeaways

• 978 is a duel of symbols: Aachen, then Paris.
• War is also a war of legitimacy: proclaiming a rival king attacks the state.
• Paris’s defence makes Hugh Capet an indispensable pillar.