Emperor Louis II of Italy, a member of the Carolingian dynasty, found himself entangled in the Italian political web in the late 9th century. His reign was characterized by the ongoing struggle for control among various factions and local powers. On August 13, in the year 871, Louis and his wife Engelberga were captured by Prince Adelchis of Benevento, a significant local ruler who had aspirations of independence and power within the fragmented Italian landscape. The political landscape of Italy during this era was tumultuous, punctuated by power struggles between emerging local leaders and the remnants of the Carolingian authority, which had been waning.The context of this event is essential to understand the implications it had on Italian politics. Adelchis' capture of the emperor not only served as a direct affront to the Carolingian authority but also shifted the balance of power within the region. The incident led to a chain reaction of conflicts and negotiations as various factions vied for influence. Louis II, already facing challenges to his rule from his rivals, found his authority significantly undermined by this event, calling into question his ability to govern effectively. The tumultuous relationship between the central authority of the Carolingians and the ambitions of regional leaders like Adelchis was a recurring theme in the history of medieval Italy.In capturing the emperor, Adelchis was able to rally support among other local leaders who were discontent with Carolingian control. This event paved the way for a greater assertion of local powers in the subsequent years, leading to a decline in centralized control and an increase in regional autonomy. The fallout from this incident was felt across Italy, ultimately shaping the political landscape and influencing the course of future interactions between Northern and Southern Italian powers.