# Saxon Wars begin (772)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/772-saxon-wars-begin
Location: Saxony
Categories: battle

Charlemagne began decades of campaigns to conquer and Christianize the Saxons. Within the broader Frankish Kingdoms period, Merovingian and Carolingian rulers built large Frankish realms over former Roman Gaul. Conversion, aristocratic power, church institutions and imperial expansion laid foundations for medieval France. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Charlemagne (King of the Franks; Emperor). Saxon Wars begin mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Saxon Wars begin mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [Charlemagne](https://history-france.com/rulers/charlemagne)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Saxon Wars begin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Saxon+Wars+begin&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Saxon Wars begin](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Saxon+Wars+begin)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)