Berengar Iโs Victory at Verona and the Blinding of Louis III
On July 21, 905, King Berengar I of Italy achieved a decisive victory at Verona with the help of a hired Hungarian army, defeating the forces of his rival, Louis III of Provence, who claimed the Italian crown. The conflict was part of the ongoing struggle for control of Italy during the turbulent period following the decline of Carolingian power.
Louis III had previously invaded Italy and been crowned emperor in 901, but his position was challenged by Berengar. After a failed campaign and an agreement that Louis would not return without Berengarโs permission, Louis broke his oath and launched another invasion in 905. Berengar responded by gathering support, including Hungarian mercenaries, and moved against him at Verona.
The battle ended with Louis IIIโs capture. Berengar spared his life but ordered him to be blinded, permanently removing him as a political threat. The defeat ended Louisโs ambitions in Italy and allowed Berengar to strengthen his hold on the kingdom, eventually leading to his own imperial coronation in 915.
