Pepin
Ruler of the Franks
Around 700 CE, Pepin is the most powerful man of central Europe. The Franks consider themselves the heirs of the Roman empire, desiring to expand their territories. But Redbad has ambitions of his own. The Christian Pepin tries to subjugate the heathen Redbad. Through both military force as well as Christianisation, he hoped to conquer the souls of the Frisians.
Around 695 CE, Pepin moved a large host against Redbad, who 'in a haze of stupidity' dared to challenge the 'unbeatable Pepin', so says a Frankish chronicle. Both armies met at fort Dorestad, where a 'mighty battle' ensued.
Pepin left the battlefield a glorious winner, according to many Frankish descriptions. The foolhardy Redbad had to bow down. He lost part of his territory, became subordinate to Pepin, and henceforth had to pay tribute.
The battle went into the history books as a Frankish story of triumph. But is that really justified? After all, Redbad escaped death or exile, and even reasserted power. And even though he was technically subjugated, he kept his power as king, as well as his military force. The truth remains: Pepin never did succeed to rule Frisia completely.
Redbad's daughter Theudesinde married Grimoald, Pepin's son, a clear sign Pepin considered his rivala force to be reckoned with. The situation remained volatile while Redbad rebuilt his army. In 714 CE Pepin died and Frankia fell into civil war.