Arnulf

Arnulf (är'nulf) [key], c.850–899, Carolingian emperor (896–99), king of the East Franks (887–99), illegitimate son of Carloman of Bavaria. In 887 he led the rebellion of the kingdom of the East Franks (Germany) against his uncle, Carolingian Emperor Charles III, and was proclaimed their king. He repulsed the Norse invasions in 891 but campaigned less successfully against the Moravians, with whom he finally negotiated (894) a peace. At the request of Pope Formosus, he invaded (894) Italy, but went no further than Piacenza. He returned in 895, captured Rome, and was crowned (896) emperor, but he was stricken with paralysis. Arnulf, whose personal appearance and bravery have often caused him to be likened to his great-great-grandfather Charlemagne, was the last Carolingian to be crowned emperor.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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