Incursions
Index
Franks
789. From Aachen a campaign was launched with the help of God into the land of the Slavs who are called Wilzi. On the advice of Franks and Saxons [Charlemagne] crossed the Rhine at Cologne, advanced through Saxony, reached the River Elbe, and had two bridges constructed, on one of which he built fortifications of wood and earth at both ends. From there he advanced further and by the gift of God subjected the Slavs to his authority. Both Franks and Saxons were with him in this army. In addition, the Frisians joined him by ship, on the River Havel, along with some Franks. He also had with him the Slavs called Sorbs and Abodrites, whose chieftain was Witzin.1
811. Emperor Charles sent an army of Franks and Saxons hostilely across the Elbe against those Slavs who are named the Lanai [Linones?] and Bechelenzi, and they laid waste those lands and built for a second time a fortress in the place which is called 'Abochi'.2
816. When the winter was over Saxons and East Franks were ordered to campaign against the Slavonic Sorbs who refused obedience. They carried out their orders energetically and without much effort suppressed the insolence of the rebels. As soon as a city had been captured, rebellious elements of the population promised submission and calmed down.3
819. [The Abodrite king Sclaomir was deposed by a Frankish army and his kingdom given to Ceadrag, son of Thrasco.]4