Bernard of Italy, Frankish king (b. 797)

Bernard, born around 797, was a significant, albeit tragic, figure in the early 9th-century Carolingian Empire, remembered for his brief but impactful reign as the King of the Lombards, or more accurately, King of Italy, from 810 until his untimely death on April 17, 818. As a grandson of the formidable Charlemagne and the illegitimate son of Pippin of Italy, Charlemagne’s second son, Bernard’s claim to power was deeply rooted within the intricate fabric of Carolingian dynastic politics.

His tenure as king placed him in a crucial strategic position within the burgeoning empire, governing the prosperous lands of northern Italy. This region, historically known as the Kingdom of the Lombards, had by Bernard's time transitioned into a territorial designation rather than an independent Lombard rule, fully integrated into the greater Frankish realm.

Ascension to Kingship and the Carolingian Context

Bernard's path to kingship began after the death of his father, Pippin, in 810. Despite his illegitimate birth, Charlemagne, perhaps recognizing the importance of maintaining direct familial control over the strategically vital Italian peninsula, designated the young Bernard as his successor to the Italian crown. This appointment showcased the intricate power dynamics and the Carolingian practice of dividing the empire into sub-kingdoms among family members – a system designed to manage vast territories but also inherently prone to internal strife. Bernard's early years as king were likely spent under the watchful eyes of imperial advisors, as he learned the intricacies of governance in a region that, while part of the wider Frankish empire, retained distinct cultural and administrative characteristics.

The Ordinatio Imperii and its Profound Impact

The pivotal turning point in Bernard’s life arrived in 817 with the promulgation of the Ordinatio Imperii by his uncle, Emperor Louis the Pious. Louis, who had succeeded Charlemagne in 814, sought to establish a clear and unified succession plan to prevent the fragmentation of his vast empire upon his death. This decree, Latin for "Order of the Empire," was an ambitious attempt to centralize the imperial title and future succession. It designated Louis’s eldest son, Lothair, as co-Emperor and principal heir, effectively granting him ultimate authority over the entire Carolingian realm.

For Bernard, this decree had immediate and devastating consequences: it stipulated that he, as King of Italy, would no longer be an autonomous ruler but would become a vassal to his cousin Lothair. This significant reduction in his status and independence, coupled with the potential loss of traditional prerogatives and revenues, was an affront that Bernard, a king in his own right for seven years, could not easily accept.

The Ill-Fated Rebellion and Its Discovery

Feeling his authority severely undermined and his future uncertain, Bernard began to plot against his uncle. He gathered support among the Italian nobility and clergy who also harbored grievances against the Ordinatio Imperii, perceiving it as a direct threat to their own regional autonomy and established interests. The rebellion, however, was short-lived and poorly conceived. Emperor Louis the Pious, known for his piety but also for his firm grip on imperial authority, quickly learned of Bernard's conspiracy. Responding with swift and decisive action, Louis mobilized his forces and marched towards Italy.

Faced with the overwhelming military might of the Emperor, Bernard’s supporters dwindled, and he found himself in an untenable position. He eventually surrendered to his uncle, likely hoping for clemency and understanding for his grievances.

Punishment and Tragic End

The consequences of Bernard's rebellion were severe. Louis the Pious, determined to assert imperial supremacy and deter any future challenges to the Ordinatio Imperii, convened an assembly in 818 to address the treason. Although Bernard pleaded for mercy, he and his co-conspirators were condemned. The Emperor initially considered a death sentence but was reportedly persuaded by his advisors to commute it to a more "merciful" punishment: blinding. This brutal practice, while intended as a non-lethal means of incapacitation and a symbolic act of stripping power (as a blind man could not effectively rule or lead), was often, in the early medieval period, an indirect death sentence.

The procedure itself, carried out in an era before modern medical understanding or sterile practices, was incredibly crude and agonizing. Bernard succumbed to the injuries, most likely from infection, severe shock, or complications arising from the brutal act, just two days after the blinding on April 17, 818. This tragic event, though successful in quashing the immediate rebellion, cast a long shadow over Louis the Pious’s reign and deeply affected his conscience, leading to a public penance years later at Attigny in 822. It also starkly highlighted the inherent fragility and often ruthless nature of dynastic power struggles within the Carolingian Empire, foreshadowing future conflicts over succession.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bernard of Italy

Who was Bernard's father?
Bernard was the illegitimate son of Pippin of Italy (also known as Pippin Carloman), who was the second son of Emperor Charlemagne.
What was the Kingdom of the Lombards during Bernard's time?
By Bernard's reign, the Kingdom of the Lombards, also known as the Kingdom of Italy, was a sub-kingdom within the larger Carolingian Empire. While it retained its own administration and distinct identity, it was under the ultimate authority of the Frankish emperor.
What was the Ordinatio Imperii?
The Ordinatio Imperii, Latin for "Order of the Empire," was an imperial decree issued by Emperor Louis the Pious in 817. Its primary purpose was to establish a clear succession plan, designating his eldest son Lothair as co-Emperor and principal heir, thereby seeking to maintain the unity of the Carolingian Empire.
Why did Bernard plot against Louis the Pious?
Bernard plotted against his uncle because the Ordinatio Imperii significantly demoted his status. It stipulated that he, as King of Italy, would become a vassal of his cousin Lothair, thereby losing his autonomy and independent royal authority, which he had held for seven years.
What happened after Bernard's plot was discovered?
Upon the discovery of the plot, Emperor Louis the Pious quickly mobilized his forces. Bernard, realizing his position was untenable, surrendered. He was subsequently condemned for treason at an assembly in 818.
Was blinding a common punishment in that era?
Blinding was indeed a form of punishment used in the early medieval period, particularly for those of royal or noble birth. It was intended to incapacitate without immediate execution, as a blind person could not effectively rule or lead. However, due to the lack of medical knowledge and hygiene, it often proved fatal.
How did Bernard die?
Bernard died on April 17, 818, just two days after being subjected to the punishment of blinding. He likely succumbed to the severe injuries, infection, or shock resulting from the brutal procedure.