Deposition of Emperor Charles the Fat
November 17th, 887
November 17th, 887

How Long Ago?
1137 years, 3 months, 26 days ago
Location
Frankfurt, Germany
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Charles the Fat
- Arnulf of Carinthia
Links & References
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Deposition of Emperor Charles the Fat
Frankish magnates convened in Frankfurt to depose Charles the Fat, marking a pivotal moment in Carolingian history. Leading the assembly was Arnulf of Carinthia, who took advantage of the discontent among the nobles towards Charles’s ineffectual rule and rising threats from external enemies. Following a series of military setbacks and unpopular decisions, the magnates unanimously rejected Charles’s authority and installed Arnulf as king of the East Frankish Kingdom, signaling a shift in power dynamics and the fragmentation of Carolingian unity.
Charles the Fat was viewed as an ineffective ruler.
Arnulf of Carinthia declared himself king.
The assembly marked a shift in power dynamics.
This event led to the decline of central authority.
What Happened?
The deposition of Emperor Charles the Fat by the Frankish magnates at an assembly in Frankfurt represents a crucial turning point in the late Carolingian Empire. Charles, who had been the emperor since 875, was increasingly viewed as ineffective, especially after his failure to defend the realm against Viking invasions and his inability to manage internal dissent within the diverse Frankish territories. The assembly was prompted by a growing frustration among the noble classes, who believed that Charles’s reign had brought instability and loss to the kingdom. The nobility felt that leadership should be reconstituted among those who could effectively govern and unite the fragmented empire.In late November, as tensions peaked, Arnulf of Carinthia emerged as a prominent figure, claiming the allegiance of the nobility who convened in Frankfurt. His lineage, as the illegitimate grandson of Emperor Louis the German, gave him ample claim to the kingship of the East Frankish Kingdom, which included large portions of what is now modern-day Germany. This assembly laid the groundwork for Arnulf to assume power, solidifying a critical shift away from the established Carolingian line, further fracturing the once-unified empire into competing successor states.Arnulf's ascension not only marked the end of Charles's reign but also ushered in a new era characterized by regional lords vying for power. The political shift initiated by this assembly had lasting implications for the Carolingian Empire, as it unveiled the precariousness of centralized authority and the increasing power of the nobility. The vacuum left by Charles's deposition further encouraged regionalism and laid the groundwork for the eventual emergence of the Holy Roman Empire and its subsequent feudal system.
Why Does it Matter?
The deposition of Charles the Fat is significant because it illustrates the decline of centralized power within the Carolingian Empire and the rise of local nobility. This shift contributed to the fragmentation of the Frankish states, which set the stage for the feudal system. The event also demonstrates how the nobility’s dissatisfaction with leadership can lead to substantial political change, reshaping the future governance of Europe in the centuries to follow.
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