Lothair II

Lothair II, born in eight hundred thirty-five, ascended to the throne as the king of Lotharingia in September eight hundred fifty-five. His reign was marked by a tumultuous personal life, particularly his protracted divorce from Teutberga, which lasted over a decade. This legal battle was driven by his desire to remarry his long-time love, Waldrada, with whom he had a relationship since his youth. Despite his affection for Waldrada, Lothair was compelled to marry Teutberga to secure political alliances, particularly with her brother Hucbert.

As Lothair navigated the complexities of his reign, he faced significant challenges, including the revolt of Hucbert in eight hundred sixty-four. His political acumen shone through when he successfully mediated peace between Louis the German and Charles the Bald in eight hundred sixty, showcasing his ability to act as a unifying force among his royal relatives. This year also marked the beginning of his divorce from Teutberga, a pivotal moment in his quest for personal happiness.

In eight hundred sixty-two, Lothair's fortunes shifted as he allied with Louis the German, allowing him to marry Waldrada later that year. However, his relationship with the papacy became strained when Pope Nicholas I excommunicated two of his archbishops, forcing Lothair to remarry Teutberga by eight hundred sixty-five. The death of Pope Nicholas in eight hundred sixty-seven brought a change in dynamics, and Lothair sought to mend relations with the church by visiting Rome in eight hundred sixty-nine.

Tragically, Lothair's journey back from Rome ended in his untimely death. His reign, though marked by personal strife, also included military engagements, notably against Viking leader Rorik of Dorestad. Lothair's efforts to protect his realm culminated in a significant victory against Rorik in eight hundred sixty-seven, demonstrating his commitment to defending Lotharingia against external threats.