Redirected from Charles II of France
His rise to power was accompanied by hopes of a general revival in western Europe, but he proved unequal to the task. Lethargic and inept - he is known to have had repeated illnesses which are believed to have been epilepsy - he conducted several unsuccessful expeditions in Italy against Saracen incursions, and purchased peace with Viking raiders at Paris in 886.
Increasingly seen as spineless and incompetent, matters came to a head in late 887, when an ambitious nephew, Arnulf, fomented a general rebellion and seized Germany in November. Charles did nothing to prevent the move and, retiring to Neidingen, died two months later, on January 13, 888. His empire broke asunder, never to be restored - Arnulf retained the East while France was gained by Eudes, Count of Paris.
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