Eberhard of Friuli facts for kids

Eberhard (born around 815 – died December 16, 867) was an important Frankish leader who became the Duke of Friuli in 846. You might also see his name spelled Everard, Evrard, Erhard, or Eberard. He was a very influential person in the Carolingian Empire, which was a large kingdom in Europe at the time. Eberhard was known for his political skills, military bravery, and love for learning. He had a huge library and supported writers and thinkers of his time. He also wrote letters to important church leaders.

Eberhard's Family Life

Eberhard came from a famous Frankish family. His marriage to Gisela, the daughter of Emperor Louis the Pious, made his position at the Frankish court even stronger.

Eberhard and Gisela's Children

Eberhard and Gisela had several children who grew up to be important figures:

• Unruoch III of Friuli
• Berengar I, who later became the King of Italy
• Adelhard
• Rudolf
• Ingeltrude
• Heilwise
• Gisèle (who died young)
• Judith of Friuli

Eberhard's Education and Love for Books

Even though Eberhard was a military leader and not a priest, he was very well-educated. He owned a large collection of books, which was very rare and impressive for his time. His will, a document detailing his wishes after his death, even listed all the books in his library! He also supported scholars and theologians, helping them with their work.

Eberhard: A Brave Soldier and Peacemaker

As soon as he was old enough, Eberhard joined many military campaigns. He was made the Duke of Friuli and Count of Treviso in Italy. He bravely defended his land against invaders called the Bulgars and successfully drove them out of Italy between 825 and 830.

Eberhard was also incredibly loyal to Emperor Louis the Pious. During a difficult time (830-839) when the Emperor's own sons rebelled against him, Eberhard remained faithful. He used his influence to help bring about peace between the Emperor and his eldest son, Lothair. It's believed that Eberhard advised Lothair to seek his father's forgiveness in 839.

Life at Cysoing and Founding a Monastery

To thank Eberhard for his loyalty, Emperor Louis the Pious gave him a great honor: he allowed Eberhard to marry his daughter, Princess Gisela. Gisela was known for her kindness and strong faith.

As part of Gisela's dowry (the property she brought into the marriage), Eberhard received a large estate called the fisc of Cysoing. A "fisc" was a big country estate with a main house and homes for workers. The fisc of Cysoing was a beautiful place, and Eberhard and Gisela loved it so much that they made it one of their main homes.

Cysoing was already famous because of Saint Arnoul, a brave warrior who had died there for his master in 752. His relics (holy remains) were kept there, and there was already a church or chapel on the estate.

Eberhard and Gisela decided to build a monastery at Cysoing. A monastery is a place where religious people live together under strict rules. They wanted the monks to focus on prayer and singing in the church. Although the project was a big one and wasn't finished during their lifetimes, it showed their deep faith. Later, the remains of Pope Callixtus I were brought to the Abbey at Cysoing.

Eberhard's Character and Values

Eberhard ran his home so well that it felt more like a monastery than a castle. His wife, Gisela, helped him greatly, especially with raising their many children. They made sure that the poor and sick found safety and help at Cysoing.

Eberhard also cared about the social issues of his time, especially the lives of serfs (people who were tied to the land and worked for a lord). He freed many of them and made sure their freedom was respected. For those he didn't free, he tried to make their lives better.

Even though he was a strong warrior, Eberhard always worked for peace. He was humble and avoided showing off his wealth or power. His strong faith and desire to spread Christian teachings were well-known throughout the Church. He loved religious ceremonies, respected saints, and valued holy relics.

Eberhard: The Peacemaker of the Empire

Eberhard's influence wasn't just limited to his own estates; he was involved in important matters across the entire Carolingian Empire. After Emperor Louis the Pious died in 840, a terrible war broke out between his three sons: Lothair, Louis the German, and Charles the Bald. Eberhard was deeply saddened by this conflict between brothers and worked hard to end it.

After a very bloody battle at Fontenay in 841, Eberhard became an ambassador for Lothair, helping to negotiate peace with his brothers. In 842, a meeting was held where they decided to divide the empire among the three brothers. Eberhard was one of the negotiators tasked with making sure the division was fair. Finally, in August 843, they presented their plan to the three kings at Verdun, leading to the famous Treaty of Verdun.

Wars Against the Saracens

Once peace was made between the brothers, Eberhard quickly went to Italy. Italy was being threatened by "African Saracens," who were Muslim groups from North Africa. These Saracens had been invited to Italy in 842 by a local duke, but they soon became a danger to the whole peninsula, even attacking and looting Rome many times.

As the Duke of Friuli, Eberhard became a key leader in the fight against the Saracens. The war lasted for several years, ending in 851 with the defeat of the Saracens. Eberhard was known as a brave soldier and a skilled leader during these battles. Following the example of Charlemagne, Eberhard encouraged the defeated Saracens to convert to Christianity, teaching them about the Gospel himself.

Eberhard's Will and Death

After his military campaigns, Eberhard returned to Italy. We know he was still active in 858, serving as an ambassador for Emperor Louis the Younger. We learn a lot about his life from his will, which is a very important historical document. He wrote his will in Italy in 867.

In his will, Eberhard and his wife Gisela carefully listed all their lands and possessions. They also named their family members and important neighbors. With Gisela's agreement, Eberhard divided his property among their seven children. For example, his eldest son, Unroch, received properties in Lombardy and Germany. His second son, Berengar, received other lands.

Eberhard also had three daughters: Ingletrude, Judith, and Heilwich, who received various other estates. He had another daughter named Gisèle, but she had already passed away when he wrote his will. The will also equally divided his jewels, precious chapel items, and the books from his beloved library. Eberhard died in the same year, on December 16, 867.

Eberhard Becomes a Saint

Eberhard was later recognized as a saint by the Church. His feast day, a special day to remember and honor him, is celebrated on December 16.