Origins & Early Life

Berengar I (Latin: Berengarius, Perngarius; Italian: Berengario; c. 845 – 7 April 924) was King of Italy from 887 and Holy Roman Emperor from 915 until his death in 924. He is usually known as Berengar of Friuli, since he ruled the March of Friuli from 874 until at least 890, but he had lost control of the region by 896. Berengar rose to become one of the most influential laymen in the empire of Charles the Fat, and he was elected to replace Charles in Italy after his deposition in November 887.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His long reign of 36 years saw him opposed by no fewer than seven other claimants to the Italian throne, and it is usually characterised as troubled because of the many competitors for the crown and the arrival of Magyar raiders in Western Europe. His death was followed by an imperial interregnum that lasted 38 years until the German King, Otto I, was crowned emperor in 962. Berengar's family was called the Unruochings after his grandfather, Unruoch II of Friuli. Berengar was a son of Eberhard of Friuli and Gisela, a daughter of Louis the Pious and his second wife Judith. He was thus of Carolingian extraction on his mother's side.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He was born probably at Cividale...

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