Charles the Fat

Charles the Fat, born in the year eight hundred thirty-nine, was a significant figure in the history of the Carolingian Empire, serving as its emperor from eight hundred eighty-one until eight hundred eighty-seven. As the youngest son of Louis the German and Hemma, he was a great-grandson of the legendary Charlemagne, marking him as the last Carolingian emperor of legitimate birth to preside over a united kingdom of the Franks.

Throughout his reign, Charles expanded his rule over the fragmented territories of Charlemagne's former empire. In eight hundred seventy-six, he was granted lordship over Alamannia, and upon the abdication of his older brother Carloman of Bavaria, he ascended to the Italian throne. His crowning as emperor by Pope John VIII in eight hundred eighty-one was a pivotal moment, as it set the stage for the reunification of East Francia when he inherited the lands of his brother Louis the Younger the following year.

Despite his achievements, Charles was often perceived as lethargic and inept, frequently plagued by illness, including suspected epilepsy. His reign was marked by controversial decisions, such as purchasing peace from Viking raiders during the notorious Siege of Paris, which ultimately contributed to his downfall.

The reunification of the Carolingian Empire was short-lived. In mid-November of eight hundred eighty-seven, a coup led by his nephew Arnulf of Carinthia resulted in Charles's deposition from East Francia, Lotharingia, and the Kingdom of Italy. Following his forced retirement, he passed away from natural causes on January thirteenth, eight hundred eighty-eight, just weeks after losing his throne. The empire he once ruled quickly disintegrated into five separate kingdoms, remaining fragmented until the conquests of Napoleon.