Deaths on January 25

Charles of Provence, Frankish king (b. 845)

Charles of Provence, often referred to as Charles II, was a significant figure in the fragmented Carolingian Empire, reigning as King of Provence from 855 until his untimely death on 25 January 863. Born in 845, his brief life and nominal reign highlight the tumultuous period following the collapse of Charlemagne's vast empire and the ongoing struggles for control among his descendants.

The Carolingian Lineage and the Partition of Middle Francia

Charles was the youngest son of the Holy Roman Emperor Lothair I, a grandson of Charlemagne, and his wife Ermengarde of Tours. Ermengarde, a daughter of Count Hugh of Tours, brought significant noble lineage to the Carolingian house. Lothair I's reign was largely defined by the complex inheritance of his father, Louis the Pious, and the subsequent divisions of the Carolingian Empire, which had begun with the Treaty of Verdun in 843.

In 855, as his health declined, Emperor Lothair I formally divided his realm, known as Middle Francia, among his three surviving sons through the Treaty of Prüm. This partition aimed to secure the succession and prevent immediate conflict, but it ultimately contributed to the empire's further fragmentation. The division was as follows:

• Louis II, the eldest, inherited the Kingdom of Italy and the imperial title, becoming the Holy Roman Emperor.
• Lothair II received the northern territories, which would eventually become known as Lotharingia. This vast region encompassed modern-day Lorraine, the Low Countries (including parts of present-day Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg), and Upper Burgundy.
• Charles, the youngest, was bequeathed Lower Burgundy, a region more commonly referred to as the Kingdom of Provence. This territory stretched along the Rhône River valley down to the Mediterranean coast, including crucial cities such as Arles, Aix-en-Provence, and Vienne.

The Regency of Gerard of Vienne and the Viking Threat

Given Charles's tender age when his father died in 855, he was merely a child and never truly exercised direct rule over his kingdom. The practical governance of Provence fell to his influential tutor and regent, Count Gerard II of Vienne. Gerard was a powerful and capable aristocrat, whose wife Bertha was a sister-in-law of the late Emperor Lothair I, further cementing his connection to the imperial family.

Gerard's regency was marked by vigorous defense against persistent external threats, particularly the Northmen, also known as Vikings. These Scandinavian raiders, exploiting the internal divisions and weakened defenses of the Carolingian Empire, frequently sailed up the Rhône River. Their devastating incursions reached as far inland as Valence, posing a significant threat to the region's prosperity and stability. Count Gerard proved to be an effective protector, notably ejecting the Northmen from the strategically vital Rhône delta in 860, thereby securing a critical pathway for trade and communication.

External Interference: Charles the Bald's Attempted Intervention

The inherent instability of the fragmented Carolingian kingdoms often led to ambitious relatives attempting to expand their own domains. In 861, Charles of Provence's uncle, Charles the Bald, King of West Francia, saw an opportunity to intervene in Provence. He was reportedly invited by a local magnate, possibly the Count of Arles, who may have sought to leverage external support for his own political gain or to address perceived weaknesses in Gerard's regency.

Charles the Bald launched an invasion, advancing into Provence. However, his campaign was limited. He only reached Macon, in the northern reaches of Burgundy, before being effectively restrained by the powerful and politically astute Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims. Hincmar, a key ecclesiastical and political advisor to Charles the Bald, often played a crucial role in mediating disputes and maintaining a fragile balance of power within the Carolingian world, reflecting the significant influence of the Church in secular affairs of the era.

The Succession Crisis and Division of Provence

From the outset, Charles of Provence's rule was largely titular. The real authority lay with Regent Gerard of Vienne. Recognizing the fragility of the Carolingian succession and Charles's chronic ill health, Gerard proactively arranged for the future of Provence. In 858, a formal agreement was established stipulating that should Charles die without heirs, the Kingdom of Provence would revert to his brother, Lothair II, King of Lotharingia. This foresight aimed to prevent a potential power vacuum and ensure an orderly succession within the family.

However, when Charles of Provence passed away prematurely in 863, the carefully laid plans faced immediate challenges. While Lothair II claimed Provence based on the 858 agreement, their elder brother, Emperor Louis II, who ruled Italy, also asserted his claim. Louis II, as the senior sibling and Holy Roman Emperor, believed he had a superior right to the inheritance. This dispute highlighted the ongoing struggles over territorial control and imperial prestige among Lothair I's descendants.

Ultimately, a compromise was reached, leading to the division of the Kingdom of Provence between the two brothers:

• Lothair II received the northern bishoprics and counties of Lyon, Vienne, and Grenoble. These territories continued to be governed effectively by Count Gerard of Vienne, who maintained his influence in this crucial region.
• Emperor Louis II gained control of the southern territories, including the important cities of Arles, Aix-en-Provence, and Embrun, which were closer to his Italian domain.

This division further illustrated the continuous fragmentation of the Carolingian legacy, where powerful regional entities began to solidify, paving the way for the eventual emergence of distinct kingdoms and principalities in medieval Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Charles of Provence

Who was Charles of Provence?

Charles of Provence, also known as Charles II, was the Carolingian King of Provence (Lower Burgundy) from 855 until his death in 863. He was the youngest son of Holy Roman Emperor Lothair I.

Why was he called Charles II?

He is sometimes referred to as Charles II to distinguish him from other Carolingian rulers named Charles, most notably his uncle Charles the Bald (Charles II of West Francia) and his great-grandfather Charlemagne (Charles I).

Did Charles of Provence rule his kingdom directly?

No, Charles was a child when he inherited the throne and was in poor health throughout his life. His kingdom was effectively governed by his regent, Count Gerard II of Vienne.

What was the Treaty of Prüm?

The Treaty of Prüm, signed in 855, was an agreement made by Emperor Lothair I to divide his realm of Middle Francia among his three sons. Charles received the Kingdom of Provence as a result of this treaty.

Who was Gerard of Vienne and what was his role?

Gerard II of Vienne was a powerful Carolingian count and the regent of the Kingdom of Provence during Charles's minority. He was responsible for the practical governance of the realm, including its defense against Viking raids and arranging for the succession.

How was the Kingdom of Provence divided after Charles's death?

After Charles's death in 863, his kingdom was divided between his elder brothers, Emperor Louis II (who received Arles, Aix, and Embrun) and Lothair II (who received Lyon, Vienne, and Grenoble).