Ageltrude facts for kids

Ageltrude (born around 860, died August 27, 923) was a powerful woman in early medieval Europe. She was the Empress and Queen of Italy. She gained these titles by marrying Guy, who ruled from 891 to 894.

After Guy's death, Ageltrude became a regent for her son, Lambert. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young or unable to rule themselves. Ageltrude strongly supported her son. She encouraged him to oppose the Carolingian family, who were rivals for power. She also influenced important church elections to help her family.

Early Life and Marriage

Ageltrude was the daughter of Adelchis of Benevento, a prince. Her mother was named Adeltrude. Around the year 875, Ageltrude married Guy of Spoleto. At that time, Guy was a powerful duke and margrave of Spoleto and Camerino. A duke was a ruler of a large territory. A margrave was a ruler of a border area.

In 889, Guy of Spoleto became King of Italy. He defeated another ruler named Berengar. Then, in 891, Guy was crowned Holy Roman Emperor. This made Ageltrude the empress. Guy's rule as emperor was short. He died in 894, and Ageltrude became a widow.

Ageltrude as Regent

When Guy died, their son Lambert was still young. Because of this, Ageltrude became his regent. She was in charge of ruling until Lambert was old enough. In 894, Ageltrude traveled to Rome with her 14-year-old son. They went to meet Pope Formosus. The Pope was supposed to confirm Lambert as emperor. However, Pope Formosus supported the Carolingian family's claim to the throne. The Carolingians were a rival royal family.

In 896, Ageltrude and Lambert had to leave Rome. This happened when Arnulf of Carinthia, a Carolingian ruler, marched into Rome. Arnulf was crowned emperor, which was against Lambert. But this setback did not last long. Pope Formosus died just a month after crowning Arnulf. Arnulf himself soon became very ill.

Power in Rome

Ageltrude used this chance to show her power in Rome. After a very short two-week rule by Pope Boniface VI, she worked to get her chosen person elected as Pope Stephen VI. This shows how much influence she had.

At the request of Ageltrude and Lambert, something unusual happened. The body of Pope Formosus was dug up. He was put on trial for various accusations, even though he was dead. He was found guilty, and his body was thrown into the Tiber River. This event is known as the Cadaver Synod. After this, Lambert became Lambert II of Spoleto.

Later Life

In 898, Ageltrude's son, Lambert, died. After his death, she decided to leave politics. She moved to a convent in Camerino. Later, she lived in another convent in Salsomaggiore. She died on August 27, 923.