Carloman of Bavaria

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Carolingian Dynasty
(Kings of East Francia)

Louis the German
Children
   Carloman of Bavaria
   Louis the Younger
   Charles the Fat
Carloman of Bavaria
Children
   Arnulf of Carinthia
Louis the Younger
Charles the Fat
Arnulf of Carinthia
Children
   Louis the Child
   Zwentibold,
   King of Lotharingia
Louis the Child

Carloman (830-880) was the second eldest son of Louis the German, king of East Francia (Germany), and Emma, daughter of the count Welf. He was king of Bavaria from 876 and of Italy from 877 until he was incapacitated in 879 and died in 880.

He revolted in 861 and again two years later (863); an example that was followed by the second son, Louis the Younger, who in a further rising was joined by his brother Charles the Fat. In 864, Louis was forced to grant Carloman the kingdom of Bavaria, which Louis himself had once held under his father. The next year (865), he divided the remainder of his lands: Saxony he gave to Louis (with Franconia and Thuringia) and Swabia to Charles (with Rhaetia). A report that Emperor Louis II was dead led to peace between father and sons and attempts by Louis the German to gain the imperial crown for Carloman. These efforts were thwarted by Louis II, who was not in fact dead. In 876, Louis the German died and Carloman inherited his share. The brothers maintained concord amongst themselves, contrary the example set by their own father and uncles and their cousins.

Upon the death of Charles the Bald of West Francia in 877, Carloman also became king of Italy and aimed at gaining the Imperial crown, but in 879, he was crippled by a stroke and divided his dominions as his father had done. He granted Louis Bavaria and Charles Italy. He had no legitimate issue, but had a concubine named Litwinde. His illegitimate son by her, Arnulf, was granted the duchy of Carinthia. Arnulf later became king of Germany and Italy and emperor.

Preceded by
Louis the German
King of Bavaria
876880
Succeeded by
Louis the Younger
Preceded by
Charles the Bald
King of Italy
877880
Succeeded by
Charles the Fat