eutberga Seeks a Divorce: Lothair II's Renewed Attempt in Italy (867)

By 867, after years of legal battles, political maneuvering, and Papal resistance, Teutberga, the estranged wife of Lothair II of Lotharingia, now expresses her desire for a divorce—whether by her own inclination or under duress remains uncertain.

Lothair II’s Renewed Attempt to Secure Papal Approval

• With Teutberga’s apparent consent, Lothair sees an opportunity to finally legitimize his union with Waldrada, his longtime mistress and the mother of his children.
• He travels to Italy to seek the assent of the new pope, Hadrian II, following the death of Pope Nicholas I(who had strongly opposed the divorce).
• Lothair hopes that the new pontiff will be more favorable to his cause, allowing him to:
  • Dissolve his marriage with Teutberga.
  • Marry Waldrada, securing legitimacy for their children and an uncontested succession in Lotharingia.

Political and Religious Implications

• This move once again entangles the Papacy in Carolingian dynastic struggles, reinforcing Rome’s growing influence over royal marriages.
• Lothair’s uncles, Charles the Bald and Louis the German, continue to watch closely, as Lothair remains without a legitimate heir, leaving Lotharingia vulnerable to partition.

The Uncertain Fate of Lothair’s Request

• Though Lothair is determined to finalize his divorce, the question remains:
  • Is Teutberga’s desire for separation genuine, or is she being pressured?
  • Will Pope Hadrian II support or reject Lothair’s long-standing demand?

Lothair’s journey to Italy in 867 marks the final chapter in his struggle to secure his marital and dynastic ambitions, but fate will soon intervene, cutting short his plans.