Bernard of Italy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bernard |
|
|---|---|
Bernard (left) and Iustitia (right)
|
|
| King of Italy | |
| Reign | 810–818 |
| Predecessor | Pepin Carloman |
| Successor | Lothair I |
| Born | 797 Vermandois, Francia |
| Died | 17 April 818 (aged 20–21) Aachen, Francia |
| Burial | Milan, Lombardy |
| Consort | Cunigunda of Laon |
| Issue | Pepin, Count of Vermandois |
| House | Carolingian |
| Father | Pepin Carloman |
Bernard (born 797, died 818) was the King of Italy. He ruled from 810 to 818. Bernard was the nephew of Emperor Louis the Pious. He disagreed with his uncle's plans for the empire. This led to a serious conflict. Sadly, Bernard died because of this conflict.
Contents
Bernard's Early Life and Family
Bernard was born in the year 797. His father was King Pepin of Italy. Pepin was the son of the famous Emperor Charlemagne. In 810, Bernard's father, Pepin, passed away. He died from an illness after a battle in Venice.
Bernard married a woman named Cunigunde. We don't know exactly when they married. We also don't know much about her family. Some records call her "of Laon." Bernard and Cunigunde had one son. His name was Pepin, Count of Vermandois. He was born in 817.
The Empire's Future Plan
In 817, Emperor Louis the Pious made a new plan. It was called the Ordinatio Imperii. This plan decided how the Frankish Empire would be divided. Louis's oldest son, Lothair, would get most of the land. Bernard would remain King of Italy. However, he would be a vassal of Lothair. This meant Bernard would report to Lothair.
Bernard had been a vassal to Louis and Charlemagne before. But his advisors told him this new plan was a threat. They felt it would weaken his power. Some of these advisors were Count Eggideo and Reginhard. Other important people were also accused of being involved.
The Conflict with Louis
Before this new plan, Bernard and his uncle seemed to get along. Bernard's main concern was being Lothair's vassal. In reality, his position as king didn't change much. He could have continued to rule Italy safely.
However, Emperor Louis heard reports about Bernard. These reports said Bernard was planning to rule Italy independently. Louis reacted very quickly to these rumors. He marched his army south to Chalon. Bernard and his allies were surprised.
Bernard went to Chalon to try and talk things over. But he and his main supporters had to surrender to Louis. Louis took them to Aachen. There, they were put on trial. They were found guilty and sentenced to death.
Louis decided to change their punishment. He ordered them to be blinded. This was meant to stop Bernard from being a threat. It was not supposed to kill him. However, the process was very painful. Bernard died two days later, on April 17, 818.
At the same time, Louis also took action against his half-brothers. Their names were Drogo, Hugh, and Theoderic. He had their heads shaved and sent them to monasteries. This was to prevent them from challenging his rule. Louis also punished others who were involved with Bernard.
Bernard's Legacy
After Bernard's death, his Kingdom of Italy became part of the Frankish Empire again. Soon after, Louis gave it to his oldest son, Lothair.
In 822, Louis the Pious showed public regret. He did this at a place called Attigny. He confessed to his court that he had sinned by causing his nephew's death. He also welcomed his half-brothers back into his favor. Many historians believe these actions came from guilt.
Some historians think Louis's actions made him seem weak. They believe it reduced his respect among the Frankish nobles. However, others disagree. They point out that Bernard's plot was a serious danger. Louis's actions were a way to bring peace. They helped him regain his authority.
Images for kids
-
17th-century fresco from Bernard's grave in Milan, Italy
