Pepin I of Aquitaine was the son of Louis the Pious, the King of the Franks, and his first wife, Ermengarde of Hesbaye. Born around 797, Pepin was named after his grandfather, Pepin the Short, who was the first King of the Franks from the Carolingian dynasty.
Pepin was appointed King of Aquitaine by his father in 817 as part of the Ordinatio Imperii, a document that outlined the division of the Carolingian Empire among Louis' sons. This was an attempt by Louis to secure the succession and provide each of his sons with a portion of the empire to rule.
As King of Aquitaine, Pepin ruled with relative autonomy, managing local affairs and defending his territory from external threats. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate control over the region, which included dealing with the Basques and other local groups. He was known for his piety and was a significant patron of the Church, which helped to strengthen his position.
Pepin's relationship with his father was not always smooth. There were conflicts over power and territory, particularly when Louis attempted to alter the division of the empire in favor of his younger son, Charles the Bald, by making him co-emperor in 829. This led to revolts, including one by Pepin, who allied with his half-brother Lothair I. Eventually, Pepin was reconciled with his father, but tensions remained.
Pepin I of Aquitaine died on December 13, 838, at the age of approximately 41. His death was sudden and unexpected, leading to speculation of foul play or poisoning, though no solid evidence supports these theories. Upon his death, his kingdom was given to his son Pepin II of Aquitaine, although this was contested by Louis the Pious, who eventually gave Aquitaine to Charles the Bald.
Despite his relatively short life, Pepin left a mark on the Carolingian history through his efforts to maintain Aquitaine's autonomy and his contributions to the Church. His legacy, however, was overshadowed by the continuous struggles for power among his siblings and the eventual fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire.