Arnulf of Carinthia

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Arnulf of Carinthia

Role / Field:

Carolingian ruler who became King of East Francia and disputed Emperor of Italy.

Born:

850

Died:

899-12-08

Century / Era:

850s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

Arnulf of Carinthia (c. 850 – 8 December 899) was King of East Francia since 887, King of Italy since 894, and Emperor since 896. Initially, he was the Duke of Carinthia who overthrew his uncle Emperor Charles the Fat to become the Carolingian king of East Francia in late 887. He also ruled Lotharingia, and tried to impose suzerainty over West Francia, and rule over Burgundy and Italy.

Key Developments & Impact

In 894, he invaded Italy and took Pavia, but soon returned to East Francia. Upon invading Italy again, he was crowned Emperor on 22 February 896 in Rome by Pope Formosus, but soon returned again to East Francia. He died on 8 December 899 at Ratisbon, in Bavaria. He was the last member of the Carolingian dynasty from the male line to rule in Italy as both King and Emperor, despite his rule being contested by his rivals Lambert of Italy and Berengar I of Italy. Arnulf was the illegitimate son of Carloman of Bavaria and Liutswind.

Enduring Legacy

After Arnulf's birth, Carloman married before 861, a daughter of Count Ernst, who died after 8 August 879. As it is mainly West-Frankish historiography that speaks of Arnulf's illegitimacy, it is quite possible that the two women...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 850: Birth of Arnulf of Carinthia — Carolingian ruler who became King of East Francia and disputed Emperor of Italy.
2. 899 (0899-12-08): Passing & Historical Legacy — Arnulf of Carinthia passed away on 0899-12-08, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Arnulf of Carinthia

True or False: “Arnulf of Carinthia was the first Carolingian ruler to hold the title of Emperor in Italy.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was the last male member of the Carolingian dynasty to rule in Italy as both King and Emperor, though his rule was contested.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Arnulf of Carinthia