Fastrada

Fastrada (c. 765 – 10 August 794) was queen consort of East Francia by marriage to Charlemagne, as his third wife. Life Fastrada was born circa 765 at Ingelheim, the daughter of the powerful East Frankish Count Rudolph (also called Eadolf), and his wife, Aeda. Fastrada became the third wife of Charlemagne, marrying him in October 783 at Worms, Germany, a few months after Queen Hildegard’s death. A probable reason behind the marriage was to solidify a Frankish alliance east of the Rhine when Charles was still fighting the Saxons. Due to her influence Pepin the Hunchback, son of Charlemagne and Himiltrude, was publicly tonsured after an attempted rebellion against his father. Fastrada soon won a reputation for cruelty, although this is reported by chronicler Einhard in his Vita Karoli Magni, who had not arrived at Charlemagne's court while she was still alive. Contemporary sources suggest that she played an active role alongside her husband. A letter from 785 has survived in which Charlemagne asked Fastrada to come to the Eresburg with the children, although a letter only six years later he inquires about her health because he had not heard from her for a long time and tells her of a victory against the Avars.