Charlemagne is a central figure in European history. In the 700s he conquered a vast empire. He is considered the progenitor of the French monarchy, several Germany dynasties and more. He even forced the Pope to crown him Holy Roman Emperor. But while Charlemagne was busy converting pagans to Christianity at sword point, his love life was far from holy. The great emperor had 4 or 5 wives, the relationship statues of one has long been debated for a very cruel reason. And at least 4 concubines. Many of his romantic entanglements were going on simultaneously. And the influence these women had on imperial politics shocked clerics of the day. In total, they presented the king with 18 children. And so many heirs planted the seeds for the destruction of the Carolingian Empire. Today let’s meet Emperor Charlemagne’s many wives and concubines. Wives:HimiltrudeDesiderata of the LombardsHildegard of the VinzgauFastradaLuitgardConcubines:GersuindaMadelgardReginaEthelind Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History!Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholidayFollow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatimePlease consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes!Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug MaxwellMusic: Folk Round by Kevin MacLeod#HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHolidayPlease contact ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices