Hildegard (queen)

Hildegard was a Frankish queen who lived a long time ago, from around the year 757 or 758 until her death on April 30, 783. She married Charlemagne, one of the most famous rulers of the early Middle Ages, around the year 771 and stayed his wife until she passed away. Hildegard came from noble families of the Frankish and Alemannian people.

During her marriage to Charlemagne, which lasted about eleven years, Hildegard played an important role alongside him in ruling. Together, they had nine children. Some of their children grew up to be very important leaders themselves, like Charles the Younger, Pepin of Italy, and Louis the Pious, who later became an emperor. Hildegard’s life shows how women in those times could have strong influences in helping their husbands govern big parts of Europe.

Life

Hildegard was born around 757 or 758 to a Frankish count named Gerold and his wife, Imma, a noblewoman from Alemannia. She married the Frankish king Charlemagne in 772, after the death of Charlemagne's brother Carloman I. As queen, Hildegard helped manage the royal household and often joined Charlemagne in important documents.

Hildegard and Charlemagne had nine children, including future kings Charles, Pepin of Italy, and Louis the Pious, as well as several daughters. They traveled together across their lands, supporting Charlemagne’s rule. Sadly, Hildegard passed away in 783 shortly after giving birth to their last daughter, who also did not survive. She was buried at the Abbey of Saint-Arnould in Metz.

Children

Hildegard and Charlemagne had nine children together. Some of their children grew up to be important leaders, like Charles the Younger, Carloman, renamed Pepin, Louis, and Pepin of Italy.

Other children included Adalhaid, who sadly passed away young, and twins named Lothair and Louis. Some of Hildegard’s daughters, like Bertha and Rotrude, had children even though they did not marry.