Bertrada of Laon

Bertrada of Laon, born between seven hundred and twenty and seven hundred and twenty-seven, was a pivotal figure in the Carolingian dynasty. Known as Bertrada the Younger or Bertha Broadfoot, she became the first Frankish queen and left an indelible mark on the political landscape of her time. Her legacy is intertwined with that of her husband, Pepin the Short, and their children, including the legendary Charlemagne.

As the wife of Pepin, Bertrada played a crucial role in shaping the future of royal marriages, setting a precedent that would influence generations to come. Her union with Pepin was not just a personal bond but a strategic alliance that garnered the blessing of the pope, thereby solidifying their power and influence.

Following Pepin's death, Bertrada continued to wield significant influence over her sons, Charlemagne and Carloman. Her guidance and political acumen were instrumental during a transformative period in Frankish history. Even after her passing on the twelfth of July in seven hundred and eighty-three, her impact resonated through Charlemagne's reign as he became the sole King of the Franks.