Louis The Pious

Louis The Pious was the son and heir of Charlemagne, the first emperor of the Franks. He became king of Aquitaine in 781 and co-emperor with his father in 813. He inherited the entire empire after his father's death in 814 and tried to maintain its unity and stability. He was a devout Christian who supported the church and reformed the clergy. He also promoted culture and education in his realm. He faced several rebellions from his sons, who wanted to divide the empire among themselves. He was deposed twice by his sons and restored twice by his loyal supporters. He died in 840 after a civil war that resulted in the Treaty of Verdun, which divided the empire into three parts: West Francia, Middle Francia and East Francia. He is regarded as a pivotal figure in the Carolingian history and the formation of Europe.