Adalbero of Reims facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Archbishop of Reims
Adalbero crowns king Hugh Capet
Religion	Roman Catholic
Personal
Died	23 January 989
Parents	Gozlin, Count of Bidgau and Methingau and Oda of Metz

Adalbero (also known as Adalbero of Ardennes) was an important church leader in France. He was the archbishop of Reims, which is a very high position in the church. He also served as a top advisor, called a chancellor, to Kings Lothair and Louis V of France. Adalbero played a key role in French history, especially in helping to choose a new king.

Adalbero's Role in French Politics

Supporting the Ottonian Empire

Towards the end of the Carolingian dynasty's rule in West Francia (which is what France was called then), Archbishop Adalbero was part of a group that wanted France to be friends with the Ottonian dynasty. This was a powerful ruling family from the Holy Roman Empire in central Europe. Adalbero felt loyal to the Ottonian emperors because Emperor Otto I had helped him become archbishop.

Adalbero, along with Queen Emma, sent letters to Empress Theophanu (Queen Emma's sister-in-law). In these letters, Adalbero promised loyalty from himself, Queen Emma, and her son, King Louis V.

Challenges and Changes

Not everyone agreed with Adalbero's ideas. Some church leaders wanted to follow the old ways of King Lothair. They hoped to expand France's land to the east, into a region called Lorraine, which was Adalbero's home.

King Louis V eventually ignored Adalbero and Queen Emma's advice. They had told him to seek friendship with Otto III, Empress Theophanu's son. Because Louis V went against their advice, Adalbero had to leave his position as archbishop and flee. King Louis V saw this as an act of disloyalty. Adalbero was called to a meeting of important French leaders to face a trial.

A New King for France

Before the trial could happen, King Louis V suddenly died in 987. This unexpected event changed everything. It allowed Adalbero to support a new leader, Hugh Capet. Adalbero spoke out against Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine, who was another person who thought he should be king.

Adalbero and another important person, Gerbert of Aurillac, spoke to a group of leaders at a meeting in Senlis. They argued strongly for Hugh Capet to become the new king instead of a Carolingian ruler.

Adalbero famously said:

"Crown the Duke. He is most illustrious by his exploits, his nobility, his forces. The throne is not acquired by hereditary right; no one should be raised to it unless distinguished not only for nobility of birth, but for the goodness of his soul."

This meant that Adalbero believed the best person should be king, not just someone born into the royal family. Hugh Capet was chosen and crowned king by Adalbero himself on July 3, 987, in Noyon. This event marked the beginning of the Capetian dynasty, which would rule France for many centuries.

See also

• Catholic Church in France