Capitulare Saxonicum

The Capitulare Saxonicum, or Saxon Capitulary, was an ordinance issued by the Carolingian sovereigns, primarily Charlemagne, in the late 8th century. It was part of Charlemagne's efforts to subdue and convert the Saxons to Christianity and integrate them into the Frankish realm.12

This legal text aimed to enforce submission to Frankish rule and Christianity, initially imposing harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for actions such as destroying churches or refusing baptism. However, later decrees, like the Capitulare Saxonicum itself, sought to achieve conversion through less brutal methods. The process involved introducing Frankish officials and clergy to pacify the region, though complete subjugation took decades. The Capitulare Saxonicum represents a significant aspect of the Carolingian administration and its attempts to consolidate power and religious uniformity across its territories.12