Guy, Margrave of Tuscany facts for kids

Guy (also known as Guido or Wido), who was born with the name Leo, was a powerful leader in Italy. He was sometimes called the Philosopher. Guy passed away on February 3, 929.

Guy was the son of Adalbert II of Tuscany and Bertha. His mother Bertha was the daughter of Lothair II of Lotharingia.

Early Life and Titles

After his father, Adalbert II, died in 915, Guy took over his father's important roles. He became the Count and Duke of Lucca. He was also the Margrave of Tuscany. A margrave was a special kind of count who protected the borders of a kingdom.

Guy held these titles until his own death in 928 or 929. Because Guy was still young when his father died, his mother Bertha acted as his regent. A regent is someone who rules for a young king or leader until they are old enough. Bertha was his regent from 915 until 916.

Life in Mantua and Marriage

Around the year 920, Guy held his court in the city of Mantua. This means he lived and conducted his official business there.

In 924 or 925, Guy married Marozia. She was a very important and powerful noblewoman from Rome. Marozia had a special title: senatrix patricia Romanorum. This title showed her high rank and influence in Roman society. Guy was Marozia's second husband.

Power in Rome

Marozia wanted to have more power in Rome. She and Guy worked together to challenge the influence of Pope John X.

Guy and Marozia attacked Rome and took control. They arrested Pope John X at the Lateran and put him in jail at the Castel Sant'Angelo. Pope John X died in 928 while he was imprisoned.

After this, Marozia took full control of Rome. This was like a sudden takeover of power, often called a coup d'état. Guy died shortly after, on February 3, 929.

Marozia's Influence on Popes

Even after Guy's death, Marozia continued to be very powerful in Rome. The popes who came after Pope John X, Leo VI and Stephen VII, were both chosen because Marozia wanted them. They followed her wishes.

In 931, Marozia even managed to make her own son the Pope. He became John XI. At that time, John was only twenty-one years old.

Family and Successor

Guy had one daughter named Theodora (who was also called Bertha). It is thought he might have had other children, but not much is known about them.

None of Guy's children lived longer than he did. When Guy died in 928 or 929, his brother, Lambert, became the new Count and Duke of Lucca and Margrave of Tuscany.