The 761 Aquitanian Campaign: Frankish Victory in the Auvergne

In 761, as Pepin the Short advances into Aquitaine, Duke Waifer seeks to counter the Frankish offensive by ordering his border counts to mount a counterattack against Frankish-held Burgundy. He commands Count Chunibert of Bourges and Count Blandinus of the Auvergne to assemble their forces for an assault on Chalon-sur-Saône, a strategic stronghold on the northeastern frontier of Aquitaine.

Composition of the Aquitanian Army

The army assembled for this campaign likely consists primarily of local levies, as Gascon (Basque) warriors—a key professional core of Waifer's forces—are not mentioned in this engagement. The continuator of the Chronicle of Fredegar, who is otherwise careful to document Gascon participation, omits them here, suggesting that this force lacks the experienced Vascones mercenaries who typically form Waifer’s elite troops.

The Frankish Counteroffensive and the Fall of the Auvergne

Though the Aquitanian forces ravage parts of Burgundy, Pepin’s response is swift. He pushes the invaders backand goes on the offensive, capturing key fortresses in Auvergne, including:

• Bourbon
• Chantelle
• Clermont

Count Blandinus is forced to surrender, signaling a major setback for Waifer's resistance. The garrison at Bourbon is specifically identified by the continuator of Fredegar as the “men of Waifer” (homines Waiofarii), reinforcing that these fortresses were essential to Aquitanian defense.

The Treaty and Frankish Control in the Auvergne

By the end of the campaign, Pepin secures permanent control over many fortresses in the Auvergne through a treaty, marking a turning point in the war. With the loss of these strategic strongholds, Aquitaine’s defenses are significantly weakened, bringing Waifer one step closer to defeat and Frankish rule one step closer to full consolidation.