Emma Italy

Background

Her father was poisoned in 950 by his political rival, Berengar of Ivrea.

Career

Their son, Louis V, was the last Carolingian King. Born around 948, Emma was the only child of King Lothair II and Queen Adelaide of Italy. The Queen and Bishop were exonerated by the Synod of Sainte-Macre, led by Adalberon, Archbishop of Rheims, and Charles was forced to flee Western Francia.

Emma, to ensure her son"s succession, then persuaded Lothair to crown him as associated king.

Lothair did so, but refused to let him have any real power. However, he promptly drove Emma and Bishop Ascelin of Laon from the court, accusing them of having poisoned Lothair.

Louis then died on 22 May 987, without an heir. In the resulting conflicts, Ascelin betrayed Charles to Hugh Capet, as a result of which the last Carolingian was imprisoned in Orleans.

Connections

brother-in-law:

Hugh Capet, Duke