The Saxon Wars , also called the Saxon War or Saxon Uprising ( not to be confused with the Saxon Rebellion of 1073–75 ) , were the campaigns and insurrections of the thirty-three years from 772 , when Charlemagne first entered Saxony with the intent to conquer , to 804 , when the last rebellion of disaffected tribesmen was crushed .

Despite repeated setbacks , the Saxons resisted Defending steadfastly , returning to raid Charlemagne 's domains as soon as he turned his attention elsewhere .

Their main leader , Widukind , was a resilient and resourceful opponent and accepted Receiving a peace offering from Charlemagne in a perilous situation , not losing face and preventing Charlemagne from continuing a bothersome war .

Their main leader , Widukind , was a resilient and resourceful opponent and accepted Receiving a peace offering from Charlemagne in a perilous situation , not losing face and preventing Charlemagne from continuing a bothersome war .

The Battle of Roncevaux Pass ( French and English spelling , `` Roncesvalles '' in Spanish , `` Orreaga '' in Basque ) in 778 saw a large force of Basques ambush Attack a part of Charlemagne 's army in Roncevaux Pass , a high mountain pass in the Pyrenees on the present Presence border between France and Spain , after his invasion Attack of the Iberian Peninsula .

The Basque attack Attack was a retaliation for Charlemagne 's destruction Destroying of the city walls of their capital , Pamplona .

Among those killed Killing in the battle was a relatively obscure Frankish commander , Roland , whose death elevated Cause_change_of_position_on_a_scale him and the paladins , the foremost warriors of Charlemagne 's court , into legend , becoming Becoming the quintessential role model for knights and also greatly influencing Influence the code of chivalry in the Middle Ages .