[August 8] Lothair II, king of Lorraine

Parents: Lothair I, emperor of Rome, and Ermengarde of Tours

Date of Birth: 835
House: Carolingian

Spouse(s): Teutberga, daughter of Boso the Elder

Predecessor: Lothair I
Reign: 855 – 869

Summary: Walking in the wake of his father, Emperor Lothair, Lothair II was of little consequence to the over scheme of European politics in the late 800s. His kingdom, Lotharingia (or Lorraine) was located directly between France and Germany, placing it at a constant threat. He became king at the age of 20 when his father died. The name of the region was only applied long after his death to the realms of Middle Francia. His older brother, Louis II, received northern Italy and the title of emperor, while a younger brother, Charles, was granted Burgundy and Provançe. Lorraine, therefore, was much smaller than it had previously been. But the legacy of Lothair's life was seeing his father's inheritance dwindle to nothingness. 

In 863, Lothair's younger brother, Charles, died and those lands were divided between Louis and himself. But Norman pirates were harassing Burgundy by this time and little new lands were added. His marriage with Teutberga fell apart but the queen's brother, Hucbert, was the abbot of St. Maurice and had good relations with Lothair's uncles. Although neither uncle wished for Lothair to procreate, they also wished to remain loyal to the abbot. Teutberga, on her part, did everything possible to keep her place as queen. She underwent an ordeal of water and passed it, forcing Lothair to give up his mistress, Waldrada. Nonetheless, Lothair succeeded late in his reign in obtaining the divorce when he deeded some of his lands to Emperor Louis II, his brother. Then the pope got involved. In 863, Pope Nicholas I voided the decision of local bishops and Emperor Louis attacked the pope in Rome in 865 on his brother's behalf. By that year, Lothair faced excommunication as well as dissolution of his kingdom. Fearing his end was near, Lothair took back his wife, but she would not have it. A new pope, Adrian II, agreed to the divorce in 868, but Lothair died on the return journey at Piacenza. He only left one son, Hugues, who was declared illegitimate since it was born to his mistress Waldrada. The Treaty of Meerssen divided Lorraine between Charles the Bald of West Francia and Louis, king of Germany. The true heir, Emperor Louis II, received nothing from Lorraine and fought for six more years to make a place for himself in Middle Francia. He died, passing his lands to Carloman, son of Louis, king of Germany.

Date of Death: 8 August 869

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