Advertise on podcast: The History of Paris

Louis the Pious continues to try and hold together his father's empire and is forced into an almost unfathomable act of penance. Meanwhile his youngest son Charles will grow up in a precarious position before becoming a king in Paris in his own right.

After Charlemagne's death his capable successor Louis became Emperor but a brutal family murder and his own sons infighting will become his downfall and leave a lasting legacy on Europe and Paris.

No one goes on forever and Charlemagne in his last years dealt with rebellion and family tragedy before leaving a precarious future for his heirs, for Europe and for Paris.

Charlemagne had conquered and stabilised the Frankish Kingdoms, embellishing its churches and encouraging learning and education, where could he go from here? Become an Emperor of course.

Alcuin of York, one of Charlemagne's greatest friends and teachers was one of the most brilliant people of his age, and his work supported by the great king would lay the seeds of learning and knowledge that lives still to this day in Paris.

Charlemagne stands astride the early medieval world like a colossus and his achievements will lay the foundation for a period of artistic renaissance that will bless Paris to this day. Threats are aplenty to his rule, but he pretty much consistently will rise to the challenge and overcome them with aplomb.

Pepin the Short had deposed the Merovingians, but he needed legitimacy, and if there was one man who could give him that, it was the Pope in Rome.

What do you do to make yourself stand out when your father is the most famous person in Europe? Make yourself a king of course. Pepin the Short's reign continues the steady rise of the Carolingian family.

Charles Martel was not just a warrior and his far-reaching reforms set the stage for the incredible power and wondrous creations of his successors. This week we say goodbye to Charles the Hammer, and meet his son, who has a far less cool nickname.

Charles Martel wins his greatest victory at Tours and is anointed as preeminent ruler of the Franks in Paris, while new innovations and new forces come to make their impact felt and leave their mark on the Frankish kingdoms and Paris.

Charles Martel deals with his stepmother, and the Parisians elect themselves an unlikely King.

Charles Martel was born into a world of conflict and was not chosen to rule from an early age. His early life and struggles will be the making of him.

Pippin of Herstal and his descendants are going to dominate Western and Central Europe for centuries, but his rise, and the rise of his son Charles Martel is not without opposition, as Paris gets a little left behind.

Chlothair the Younger and Dagobert were the last Merovingians to really control the Kingdom of the Franks and Paris. Before they go they promulgate laws and preside over the construction of the new Basilica of Saint Denis, with the help of a knife wielding saint.

Fredegund wins a famous victory with a tactic that would make Shakespeare proud. The civil wars that wrack Paris and the Kingdom of the Merovingians reach a bloody conclusion.