Lothair-I
Lothair-I, also known as Lothar I, was the eldest son of Louis the Pious and his consort Ermengarde of Hesbaye. Born in 795, he played a significant role in the Carolingian Empire during the 9th century. Here are detailed points about his life and reign:
Early Life and Ascendancy
Reign and Division of the Empire
- Upon Louis the Pious's death in 840, a civil war broke out among Lothair and his brothers, culminating in the Treaty of Verdun in 843. This treaty divided the empire into three parts:
- Lothair's portion of the empire, known as Lotharingia, was a long, narrow strip of land stretching from the North Sea to the Mediterranean.
Imperial Title and Later Years
- Despite the division, Lothair retained the imperial title, which was largely symbolic after the partition.
- He faced numerous rebellions and had difficulty maintaining control over his realm. His rule was further complicated by the Viking invasions, which weakened the Carolingian territories.
- In 855, Lothair divided his territory among his sons with the Treaty of Prüm:
- Lothair I died on 29 September 855 in Prüm and was buried in the Abbey of Prüm.
Legacy
- The division of the empire by Lothair I marked a significant shift in European politics, setting the stage for the eventual formation of modern European nations.
- His reign is often seen as a transitional period where the centralized power of the Carolingian Empire began to fragment, leading to the feudal system and the rise of local lords.
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