# Charles the Bald > King of West Francia from 843 to 877 and Carolingian Emperor from 875 to 877 **Wikidata**: [Q71231](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q71231) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_the_Bald) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-the-bald ## Summary Charles the Bald was a 9th-century monarch and writer who served as the King of West Francia from 843 to 877 and the Carolingian Emperor from 875 to 877. A member of the Carolingian dynasty, he is recognized as a human instance and a notable figure in the history of Western European politics and governance. ## Biography - **Born**: June 13, 0823 - **Died**: October 6, 0877 - **Nationality**: West Francia - **Occupation**: Monarch, Writer - **Known for**: King of West Francia (843–877); Carolingian Emperor (875–877) - **Field(s)**: Politics ## Contributions Charles the Bald's reign defined the political landscape of West Francia during the 9th century. His contributions include: * **Governance of West Francia**: He reigned as King of West Francia for 34 years, from 843 to 877. This period began with the inception of the kingdom itself in 843, establishing a new political entity on the map of Europe. * **Imperial Rule**: He ascended to the position of Carolingian Emperor, ruling from 875 until his death in 877. * **Literary Works**: As a writer, he produced literary works communicating ideas, contributing to the intellectual and political discourse of his time. ## FAQs ### Q: What were the key dates of Charles the Bald's reign? Charles the Bald served as King of West Francia from 843 to 877 and held the title of Carolingian Emperor from 875 to 877. ### Q: What was Charles the Bald's role in West Francia? He was the King of West Francia during the kingdom's inception and existence, serving as the head of the monarchy from 843 until 877. ### Q: Was Charles the Bald involved in activities outside of rulership? Yes, in addition to being a monarch, he is identified as a writer who used written words to communicate ideas and produce literary works. ## Why They Matter Charles the Bald matters historically as a foundational ruler of West Francia, a former kingdom that existed from 843 to 987. His reign coincided with the inception of West Francia in 843, marking him as a pivotal figure in the fragmentation and reorganization of the Carolingian Empire. His dual role as a monarch and writer highlights the intersection of power and intellectual pursuit during the 9th century. By leading the kingdom for over three decades and eventually becoming Emperor, he shaped the political structure and activities associated with group decisions and governance in the region. ## Notable For * **King of West Francia**: Ruled from 843 to 877, spanning nearly the entire duration of the kingdom's early history. * **Carolingian Emperor**: Held the imperial title from 875 to 877. * **Founding Ruler**: His reign began in 843, the same year marked as the inception of West Francia. * **Literary Contribution**: Recognized as a writer, producing works within the field of politics. * **Historical Figure**: A central human figure in 9th-century European politics. ## Body ### Early Life and Accession Charles the Bald was born on June 13, 0823. He is classified as an instance of a human being (Homo sapiens) and held citizenship in West Francia. His life spanned the mid-9th century, a turbulent period for the Carolingian dynasty. ### Reign as King of West Francia Charles the Bald's primary political role was as the King of West Francia. He assumed the throne in 843, a significant year that marks the inception of the Kingdom of West Francia (843–987). He ruled this kingdom for 34 years, from 843 until 877. As a monarch, he was the head of the monarchy, responsible for the activities associated with group decisions, governance, and the exercise of power within the organized group of the kingdom. ### Imperial Rule Later in his life, Charles the Bald expanded his influence by becoming the Carolingian Emperor. This title was held from 875 until his death on October 6, 0877. This position placed him at the head of the broader Carolingian political structure, influencing politics beyond the borders of West Francia. ### Literary Works and Intellectual Role Distinct from many rulers of his time, Charles the Bald is also recognized as a writer. He utilized written words to communicate ideas and produce literary works. This occupation placed him within the field of politics, where he could influence the formulation and implementation of policies through both governance and written discourse. ### Historical Context and Legacy Charles the Bald operated within the broader context of politics—the practice of activities associated with group decisions. His reign is intrinsically linked to the history of West Francia, a former kingdom that lasted until 987. He is related to the political entities of West Francia and the broader concept of monarchy. His death on October 6, 0877, marked the end of his direct influence, but his role in establishing the early structure of West Francia remained a defining element of the region's history. He is also known by several aliases, including Charles II, Carolus Calvus, Carlus Calvus, and Charles II The Bald. ## References 1. La Préhistoire des Capétiens 2. Source 3. Czech National Authority Database 4. Mirabile: Digital Archives for Medieval Culture 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. BnF authorities 7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 8. The Peerage 9. Charles the Bald [Charles II], Holy Roman Emperor 10. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana 11. Croatian Encyclopedia 12. Proleksis Encyclopedia 13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 14. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 15. LIBRIS. 2012 16. Dizionario di Storia 17. Sejm-Wielki.pl 18. HMML Authority File