Arnulf Carinthia King of the East Frankish Kingdom from 887 Country: Germany

1. Arnulf of Carinthia: King of East Francia and Holy Roman Emperor
2. Early Career and Rise to Power
3. Reign and Domestic Challenges
4. Italian Campaign and Imperial Coronation
5. Later Years and Death

Arnulf of Carinthia: King of East Francia and Holy Roman Emperor

Arnulf of Carinthia was a significant figure in the history of the Carolingian Empire. As the illegitimate son of Carloman of Bavaria and Liutswinda of Carinthia, Arnulf spent his early years in Carinthia under his mother's care.

Early Career and Rise to Power

After his father's death, Arnulf briefly held aspirations to the Bavarian throne but was unsuccessful. Following the deaths of his uncles, Ludwig III and Charles the Fat, Arnulf inherited the Duchy of Carinthia. In 887, he seized the opportunity presented by widespread uprisings to challenge his uncle, Charles the Fat, and claim the East Frankish throne. At the Assembly of Tribur, Arnulf was recognized as the new king of Germany, marking a break from the traditional principle of Carolingian inheritance.

Reign and Domestic Challenges

Arnulf's reign was marked by challenges and successes. He defeated Viking invasions and campaigned against the independent Prince of Great Moravia, Svatopluk I. Arnulf sought alliances with the invading Hungarians and Bulgarian Prince Vladimir Rasate to weaken Moravia. However, the Hungarians later turned against their allies, forcing Arnulf to negotiate a peace treaty with Moravia.

Italian Campaign and Imperial Coronation

Pope Formosus appealed to Arnulf for protection against Guy III of Spoleto, who threatened to seize power in Italy. Arnulf marched into Italy but was forced to retreat due to the machinations of Rudolph of Burgundy. After Guy III's death, Arnulf returned to Italy and was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Formosus in 896.

Later Years and Death

Arnulf's reign was cut short by illness, which he contracted during his campaign in southern Italy. He returned to Germany and died in 899. Despite his attempts to secure the succession for his illegitimate sons, the East Frankish nobles elected Ludwig the Child, Arnulf's only legitimate son, as their new king. Ludwig's death in 911 marked the end of the Carolingian dynasty in Germany.