Charles the Bald

Charles the Second was the youngest of three brothers who fought bitterly against each other for control of the slowly dying Carolingian Empire.  Charles was also known as “The Bald”.  However, it is most probable that he had a full head of hair and a full beard.  The disparity seems to have been handed down by historians on the side of Charles’ half-brother Louis the German.  Charles’ reign was mostly peaceful; however, several encounters with Vikings and Normans as well as nobles within his own court resulted in poor showings throughout his years on the throne.  He ruled over the area of Europe mostly known as France in later years.

Charles was born in June of 823 and he was witness to many rebellions led by his half-brothers Louis and Lothaire against their father.  He was a studious and educated prince and held education and letters above all else.  He learned to lean on the church for his support and became a friend to the church.  He chose his councilors from the church in later years due to the unwillingness of his nobles to support him in all things.

After the year 840 when Louis the Pious (Charles’ father) died, the half-brothers were in a constant battle that did not end until Charles allied himself with his brother Louis the German to defeat Lothaire I in 841.  The bloody victory at Fontenoy-en-Puisaye led to the basic division of the Carolingian Empire into what is now France and Germany.  What would have happened if there was no success and no division?  What may have happened if one of the other brothers had won?