Berengar I of Italy

Berengar ruled the March of Friuli from 874 and became one of the most influential laymen under Charles the Fat. When Charles was deposed in 887, Berengar was elected King of Italy to replace him. His reign stretched across thirty-six years, but it was anything but secure: seven other claimants challenged him for the throne, and Magyar raiders arrived in Western Europe during his rule. He lost control of Friuli by 896, yet managed to hold the kingship until he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 915. He died on April 7, 924, and no emperor followed for thirty-eight years until Otto I took the ti…