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Lotar IIKing of Lorraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Inheritance
- Kingdom of Lotharingia
- Strife Over Succession
- The Divorce of Lothair
- The Reversed Divorce
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Inheritance
Lothair II, King of Lotharingia, was born to Emperor Lothair I and his wife Ermengarde. As the third son, Lothair II inherited the middle portion of the Frankish kingdom, which included the rich and powerful bishoprics of Metz, Cologne, and Trier.
Kingdom of Lotharingia
Lotharingia, situated on the border of modern-day France and Germany, was the heartland of the Frankish kingdom. It included the imperial palace and main church at Aachen, where Charlemagne had been crowned.
Strife Over Succession
Lothair II's brothers, Charles and Louis, coveted Lotharingia for themselves. They resented the fact that Lothair had no legitimate heirs. Although Lothair had a son, Hugh, he was born out of wedlock. Lothair's legitimate wife, Theutberga, was barren.
The Divorce of Lothair
For a decade, Lothair attempted to legitimize Hugh. However, the Catholic Church remained opposed to divorce. Lothair's brothers used this as an opportunity to manipulate events.
Lothair's bishops accused Theutberga of incestuous relations with her brother. With their help, Lothair obtained a papal annulment of his marriage.
The Reversed Divorce
Lothair's brothers and Theutberga's family opposed the annulment. They rallied behind Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims, who denounced Lothair as an impious king.
Pope Nicholas I reversed the annulment, stripping Lothair II of power.
Death and Legacy
Lothair II appealed to Pope Adrian II but died on his way back to Lotharingia. With his passing, the issue of his legitimacy resolved itself. The Frankish kingdom continued to be divided among his brothers, with Lotharingia falling under the influence of the West Frankish kingdom under Charles the Bald.
