Magna Frisia: Map & History
The Frisian Kingdom is a modern name for the post-Roman Frisian realm in Western Europe in the period when it was at its largest (650–734).
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The Frisian Kingdom is a modern name for the post-Roman Frisian realm in Western Europe in the period when it was at its largest (650–734). This dominion was ruled by kings and emerged in the mid-7th century and probably ended with the Battle of the Boarn in 734 when the Frisians were defeated by the Frankish Empire. It lay mainly in what is now the Netherlands and – according to some 19th century authors – extended from the Zwin near Bruges in Belgium to the Weser in Germany. The center of power was the city of Utrecht.
Modern Countries Once Part of Magna Frisia
At its mapped extent, Magna Frisia covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Magna Frisia's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Magna Frisia in Depth
History of wars
The exact title of the Frisian rulers depends on the source. Frankish sources tend to call them dukes; other sources often call them kings. Only three Frisian rulers are named in contemporary written sources.
Under the rule of the king Aldgisl, the Frisians came in conflict with the Frankish mayor of the palace Ebroin, over the old Roman border fortifications. Aldgisl could keep the Franks at a distance with his army. In 678 he welcomed the English bishop Wilfrid, who, like him, was not a friend of the Franks. While Wilfrid was at Aldegisel's court, Ebroin offered Aldegisel a bushel of gold coins in return for Wilfrid, alive or dead. Aldegisel himself is said to have torn up and burned the letter from the Frankish mayor in front of the ambassadors and his household.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Frisian Kingdom (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Magna Frisia: Key Facts
| Capital | Utrecht |
|---|---|
| Official language | Old Frisian |
| Form of government | monarchy |
| Founded | 500 CE |
| Dissolved | 734 CE |
Facts from Wikidata Q87791 (CC0).
Magna Frisia Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Magna Frisia appears, with the other states of the time.
Magna Frisia Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 21,799 km² in 678 CE.
Magna Frisia: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Magna Frisia exist?
Magna Frisia is dated to 602 CE – 771 CE, in the Early Middle Ages era.
What was the capital of Magna Frisia?
The capital of Magna Frisia was Dorestad, Traiectum (Utrecht).
How large was Magna Frisia at its peak?
At its peak in 678 AD Magna Frisia covered about 21,799 km².
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