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Adalbert IICount of Lucca and Margrave of Tuscany from 886
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Dive |
Content:
- Early Life and Inheritance
- Political Power Plays
- Conflict with Arnulf of Carinthia
- Marriage and Royal Ties
- Rebellion and Downfall
- Defeat at Pavia and Tragic Demise
Early Life and Inheritance
Count of Lucca and Marquis of Tuscany, 886Adalbert II, born to Adalbert I, Marquis of Tuscany, and Rothilde of Spoleto, became Count of Lucca and Marquis of Tuscany in 886. His lavish court rivaled that of royalty, and he possessed fiefdoms in Provence, part of the Kingdom of Lower Burgundy. As a child, Adalbert bore the title of count before inheriting the Tuscan March, along with vast wealth in Italy and Provence, in 886 upon his father's death. His domains spanned Tuscany, Liguria, and Corsica.
Political Power Plays
Royal Aspirations and Support for Guido of SpoletoFollowing the deposition of Emperor Charles III the Fat in 887, Adalbert was among Italian magnates considered for the royal crown. However, he declined to pursue it and instead backed his maternal uncle, Guido, Duke of Spoleto and Camerino, in his bid for the throne against Berengar I of Friuli. Guido was crowned in Pavia in 889, while Berengar retained control over a portion of the kingdom, effectively dividing it.
Conflict with Arnulf of Carinthia
In 894, King Arnulf of East Francia, who had previously claimed the Italian crown and imperial title, marched into Italy at the behest of Pope Formosus. Emperor Guido was unable to resist him, and Arnulf entered Pavia, arresting Adalbert, his brother Boniface, and Count Gerard. However, he soon released them upon their swearing loyalty. They immediately fled to Tuscany and raised an army to block Arnulf's advance on Rome, forcing him to retreat.
Marriage and Royal Ties
Alliance with Lothar II's Daughter, BerthaFollowing the death of Emperor Guido in 894, Adalbert initially withheld support for Guido's son and successor, Emperor Lambert. However, he eventually recognized Lambert's authority. Between 895 and 898, Adalbert married Bertha of Lotharingia, daughter of King Lothar II and his mistress, Waldrada. This marriage connected Adalbert to King Louis, strengthening his position in Lower Burgundy. Bertha's ambition and pride over her royal lineage greatly influenced her husband.
Rebellion and Downfall
Conflict over Papal Election and AlliancesIn 898, a schism in the papal election in Rome saw some支持ing John IX while others backed Sergius III. John emerged victorious and was recognized by Emperor Lambert. Sergius fled and sought refuge at Adalbert's court. That same year, Adalbert rebelled against Lambert, possibly due to events in Rome and the influence of Berengar of Friuli, who had supported Sergius.
Defeat at Pavia and Tragic Demise
Adalbert and his ally, Count Hildebrand, marched to Pavia with an army. However, Emperor Lambert, out hunting, learned of their approach and bravely faced them with a small force. At night, they attacked Adalbert's unguarded camp, capturing and dispatching him. Count Hildebrand escaped, but Adalbert was taken to Pavia to await trial. Ironically, Lambert himself died in a hunting accident on October 15th, 898.
