Hugh of Italy

Hugh was crowned King of Italy in Pavia, succeeding Rudolf II. His reign was marked by efforts to centralize power and resist Magyar raids, but he faced constant opposition from the Italian nobility and the Papacy.

Hugh of Italy married Marozia, the powerful Roman senator and mother of Pope John XI. This marriage aimed to strengthen his control over Rome and the Papacy, but it provoked opposition from Roman nobles and led to his downfall.

Hugh attempted to control the Papacy by deposing Pope John XI, his stepson, but failed due to Roman opposition. This conflict weakened his influence in Rome and contributed to the instability of his reign.

Hugh was defeated by Berengar of Ivrea (later Berengar II) near the Po River. This military loss forced Hugh to flee to Provence, where he died shortly after, ending his rule over Italy and paving the way for Berengar's rise.