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Adelaide BurgundyQueen of Italy and Empress of the Holy Roman Empire
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Adelaide of Italy, Empress of the Holy Roman Empire
- Berengar's Tyranny and Otto I's Intervention
- Holy Roman Empress and Regent
- Later Life and Legacy
Adelaide of Italy, Empress of the Holy Roman Empire
Early Life and MarriageAdelaide was born around 931, daughter of King Rudolph II of Burgundy. In 947, she married Lothair, the son of King Hugh of Italy. Lothair succeeded his father after Berengar II of Ivrea overthrew him. Adelaide reportedly wielded significant influence over Lothair, who died in 950.
Berengar's Tyranny and Otto I's Intervention
After Lothair's death, Berengar II crowned himself King of Italy and sought to marry his son Adalbert to Adelaide. She resisted, leading Berengar to imprison her. However, Adelaide escaped with the help of a chaplain and sought refuge at Canossa castle, owned by her relative Count Azzo. She appealed for help from the German king Otto I the Great.
Otto invaded Italy, defeated Berengar, and married Adelaide on October 9, 951. He was crowned King of Italy in Rome. Adelaide became a prominent political figure.
Holy Roman Empress and Regent
In 962, Otto I established the Holy Roman Empire and was crowned Emperor. Adelaide maintained her influence, including during the reign of their son, Emperor Otto II.
Later Life and Legacy
In 987, Adelaide left Germany for Burgundy. She returned to assist her underage grandson, Emperor Otto III. Upon his coming of age, she withdrew from public life and died as a nun on December 16, 999. The Catholic Church celebrates her feast day on the anniversary of her death.
