The 834–835 Conflict Between Louis the Pious and Lothair I

By 834, tensions between Emperor Louis the Pious and his eldest son, Lothair I, reignite over the issue of inheritance, particularly regarding Charles the Bald, Louis' son from his second marriage to Judith of Bavaria. This renewed dynastic struggle leads to yet another period of civil war within the Carolingian Empire.

Lothair’s Defeat and Withdrawal to Italy (835)

• Lothair had previously led the rebellion against his father, culminating in the Field of Lies (833) and Louis’ temporary deposition.
• However, support shifts back to Louis in 834, and Lothair is forced into retreat.
• In 835, after suffering military defeats and losing the support of the nobility, Lothair withdraws to Italy, where he dedicates himself solely to governing his Italian lands.
• He never again directly challenges his father’s authority, focusing instead on strengthening his rule in the Kingdom of Italy.

Aftermath: A Brief Restoration of Stability

• Louis the Pious fully regains control of the empire, seemingly securing the succession of Charles the Bald alongside his other sons, Louis the German and Pepin of Aquitaine.
• A general reconciliation ceremony is held in 835, where former rebels, including key bishops, are restored to favor.
• However, dynastic tensions persist, and following Louis’ death in 840, Lothair will once again assert his claim to imperial overlordship, leading to the Battle of Fontenay (841) and the eventual Treaty of Verdun (843), which permanently divides the Carolingian Empire.

Lothair’s defeat in 835 marks the end of his immediate challenge to Louis the Pious, but it is only a temporary resolution—the empire remains fragile, with underlying tensions that will lead to its ultimate partition after Louis’ death.