Germany / France: Icon of Arnulf (850-899), 9th Holy Roman emperor, from the book "Icones...

Arnulf (850-899), also known as Arnulf of Carinthia, was the illegitimate son of King Carloman of Bavaria and nephew of Emperor Charles the Fat. Arnulf became Duke of Carinthia, and more or less ruled Bavaria as well. Arnulf's ambition led him to lead a bloodless revolt in 887 that saw his uncle deposed as emperor and Arnulf crowned as King of East Francia. Arnulf was a warrior king rather than a diplomatic one, constantly battling the Slavs, Danes and Normans. He took advantage of internal strife in West Francia to secure the territory of Lotharingia, giving it to his son. He intervened constantly in West Francia, playing the different king claimants against each other to secure more territory for himself. He invaded Italy in 894 at the pope's behest, becoming King of Italy. He was later crowned Holy Roman emperor in 896. Arnulf suffered a stroke while campaigning against his rivals in Italy, and he had to retreat back to Bavaria, soon losing control of Italy. He died in December 899, with the crown to East Francia passing to his only legitimate son, Louis the Child, last of the east Frankish branch of the Carolingian dynasty.