Lothair II of Italy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lothair II |
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| King of Italy | |
| Reign | 947–950 |
| Predecessor | Hugh |
| Successor | Berengar II |
| Born | 926/8 |
| Died | 22 November 950 |
| Spouse | Adelaide of Italy (m. 947) |
| Issue | Emma, Queen of West Francia |
| Dynasty | Bosonids |
| Father | Hugh of Provence |
| Mother | Alda (or Hilda) |
Lothair II (born between 926 and 928 – died 22 November 950) was the King of Italy for a short time, from 947 until his death. He was also known as Lothair of Arles. He came from an important Frankish family called the Bosonids. His father, Hugh of Provence, was also a king. His mother was a German princess named Alda.
Even though Lothair had the title of King of Italy, he didn't have much real power.
Early Life and Family
Lothair was born around 926 or 928. His father, Hugh, was already a powerful ruler. In 931, when Lothair was still young, his father made him a co-regent. This meant Lothair shared the king's job with his father.
Lothair married Adelaide on December 12, 947. She was fifteen years old and known for being smart and lively. Adelaide was the daughter of Rudolph II of Burgundy and Bertha of Swabia.
A Political Marriage
Lothair and Adelaide's marriage was part of a plan to make peace between their fathers. Lothair's father, Hugh, had given up his kingdom (Provence) to Rudolph II, who was his enemy. Rudolph II then combined the two kingdoms into a new Kingdom of Burgundy. Rudolph II died in 937.
Lothair and Adelaide had one daughter, Emma, who was born around 948. Emma later married Lothair of France in 966.
Lothair's Reign in Italy
Lothair's power as king in Italy was mostly just a title. He didn't control much. In 945, the nobles (important people) rebelled, and Lothair's father, Hugh, was forced to leave the country. After this, Berengar of Ivrea took control of everything important in Italy. Berengar held all the real power.
Death and Aftermath
Lothair died in Turin in 950. His death was sudden, and some people suspected Berengar of Ivrea was involved.
After Lothair's death, Berengar tried to make his power stronger. He wanted Lothair's widow, Adelaide, to marry his own son, Adalbert. However, Adelaide refused. Instead, she asked for help from Otto I of Germany. Otto I protected her, and she later married him.
Lothair is briefly mentioned in a poem called Gesta Ottonis. This poem is about Otto I of Germany and was written around 960.
