Arnulf

Arnulf (är`nəlf), 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.

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Arnulf

(died Dec. 8, 899) King of Germany. Originally duke of Carinthia, he was elected king of the eastern Franks in 887, deposing his uncle, Charles the Fat. The western Franks, Burgundy, and Italy refused to recognize Arnulf, thus dividing the Carolingian empire. He defeated the Vikings (891), ending their raids up the Rhine River, and maintained control of Lotharingia (now Lorraine). He invaded Italy at the urging of Pope Formosus, captured Rome (895), and was crowned emperor in 896. Illness forced him to return to Germany, however, and the previous emperor continued to rule. Arnulf's last years saw invasions by Magyars and Slavs and the collapse of his power.