Louis the Blind

Louis the Blind (c. 880-928) was King of Provence and briefly Emperor.

Related Topics:
880 - 928 - Provence - Emperor

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He was the son of Boso of Provence and Irmingard, a daughter of Emperor Louis II. He succeeded his father upon his death in 887 as king of Provence. In 900 he was invited into Italy by Adelbert II of Tuscany who desired to block Berengar of Friuli from gaining control of the Italian peninsula. Louis thus marched his army across the Alps and defeated Berengar. In 901 he was crowned Emperor by Pope Benedict IV. The next year, however, Berengar defeated Louis' armies and forced him to flee and to promise never to return. In 905, Louis launched another attempt to invade Italy. He was again defeated and captured by Berengar, who ordered him blinded for breaking his oath, hence his nickname "Louis the Blind." He also lost his title and Berengar became Emperor.

Related Topics:
Boso of Provence - Irmingard - Louis II - 887 - Adelbert II of Tuscany - Berengar of Friuli - Italian - Alps - 901 - Pope Benedict IV - 905

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After this last attempt to restore Carolingian power over Italy, Louis continued to rule Provence for many more years, though Hugh of Arles, count of Provence, was the dominant figure in the territory.

Related Topics:
Carolingian - Hugh of Arles - Count of Provence

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His wife is said to have been Anna of Constantinople. Their son Charles-Constantin was Count of Vienne, and his descendants held the county of Provence.

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