Lotharingia

Quick Facts: Who was Lotharingia?

Subject:

Lotharingia

Known for:

A historical region and early medieval polity, central to the Carolingian fragmentation.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Lotharingia was a historical region and an early medieval polity that existed during the late Carolingian and early Ottonian era, from the middle of the 9th to the middle of the 10th century. It was established in 855 by the Treaty of Prüm as a distinct kingdom within the Carolingian Empire, but abolished already in 869–870 when it was divided by the Treaty of Meerssen. It was territorially reunited in 880 by the Treaty of Ribemont, and reestablished as a kingdom from 895 to 900. Since 903 it was organized as a duchy, which existed up to 959 or 965, when it was divided into two distinct duchies: Upper Lotharingia (southern half), and Lower Lotharingia (northern half). Before the final division, the region comprised present-day Lorraine (France), Luxembourg, parts of Switzerland, parts of modern Germany west of the Rhine, most of Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The regional name Lotharingia means, approximately, "the land of Lothair", and was derived from the name of its first ruler, king Lothair II, who received this territory as his share of the Kingdom of Middle Francia. Several consecutive conflicts between East and West Francia over Lotharingia were based on the fact that these were the old Frankish homelands of Austrasia, so possession of them was a matter of great prestige to their kings as true claimant of Frankish imperial legacy. Several traditional views on the nature and chronology of the final division of Lotharingia in 959-965 have been analyzed by modern scholars, who noted that some of the key sources for the period in question are preserved only as later copies, some of them being doubtful or interpolated. Lotharingia was known as regnum quondam Lotharii or regnum Lotharii ("kingdom [once] Lothair's"). Its inhabitants were known as Lotharii (from Lotharius), Lotharienses (from Lothariensis), or Lotharingi (which gives the modern Dutch, German, and Luxembourgish names for the province Lotharingen, Lothringen, and Loutrengen respectively).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The latter term, formed with the Germanic suffix -ing, indicating ancestral or familial relationships, gave rise to the Latin term Lotharingia (from the Latin suffix -ia, indicating a country) in the 10th century. Later French terms such as "Lorraine" and "Lothier" are derived from the Latin term. In 817, Emperor Louis the Pious made plans for division of the Carolingian Empire among his three sons after his death. Unforeseen in 817 was a further heir besides Louis's three grown sons. A fourth son, Charles the Bald, was born to Louis's second wife Judith of Bavaria in 823.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Lotharingia

True or False: “The Treaty of Prüm established Lotharingia as a distinct kingdom in 855, but this status was immediately permanent.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While established in 855, the united kingdom status was short-lived, being divided by the Treaty of Meerssen in 869–870.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Lotta Crabtree — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering American actress, comedian, and philanthropist of the late 19th century.
• Lotte Reiniger — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering German silhouette animator, famous for 'The Adventures of Prince Achmed'.
• Lottie Lyell — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering Australian actress and filmmaker, regarded as the nation's first film star.
• Lou Costello — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Iconic American comedian known for his double act with Bud Abbott.
• Lou Ferrigno — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: American actor and retired professional bodybuilder known for The Incredible Hulk.
• Lou Gehrig — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Iconic first baseman, known as "the Iron Horse" for his unparalleled durability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lotharingia