A general chronological history of France beginning before the reign of King Pharamond, and ending with the reign of King Henry the Fourth, containing both the civil and the ecclesiastical transactions of that kingdom / by the sieur De Mezeray ... ; translated by John Bulteel ...

LOTAIRE, King XXXIII:

POPES,

• AGAPET II. above a year in this Reign.
• JOHN XII. who was the first that changed his name, introduced An. 955. S. 9 years within some Months: is deposed.
• BENEDICT V. put in by the Romans An. 964. S. some Months.
• JOHN XIII. nominated by the Empp. Otho in 964. S. almost 7 years.
• DOMNUS Elect in 972. S. 3 Months.
• BENEDICT VI. in 972. S. one year 3 Months.
• BENEDICTUS VII. in 974. S. 9 years, and some Months.
• JOHN XIV. Elect. in July 849. S. one year, one Month.

Lotaire in France.

Otho in Germany & Lorrain.

Conrad in Burgundy & Arles.

Berenger and Adelbert his Son in Italy.

THE greatest part of the power being in the hands of Hugh, he might have taken the Crown, had he not feared the Forces of King Otho, mater∣nal Uncle to the Sons of the deceased King, and the jealousy of the other French Lords. For these reasons, Queen Gerberge his wives Sister, be∣ing come to him to take his Counsel, he chose rather to preserve his Authority by protecting a Widdow and a Minor, then by oppressing them. Having therefore carried Lotaire to Reims, he caused him to be Crowned the 12th of November by the Arch-Bishop Artold.

Upon this occasion the young King gave the Dukedoms of Burgundy and Aqui∣tain to Hugh le Blanc and to Hugh Capet his eldest Son: who being satisfied and the Duke of Normandy likewise for their sakes, it was not difficult to calm the other Lords who were less considerable.

These Dukes in my opinion, were of two sorts in those times; the one held the Cities and Lands, and were become Hereditary; the other were general commands over a whole Kingdom, as well for the Militia as to do Justice, which the Kings could bestow, or take away. So there was a Duke for Lorrain which was Bruno Arch-Bishop of Colen, King Otho's Brother, One for France, one for Aquitain, and one for Burgundy; and Hugh

was such in all those three Kingdoms, by consequence he was as the Kings Lieutenant Ge∣neral, and in that quality might be set aside, if his great alliance and the Cities in his possession had not rendred him indestituable.

[Year of our Lord 953] France was quiet enough three years together, only Hugh An. 955, led the King into Poitou to make William Earl of that Country and Duke of Aquitain become obedient, and laid Siege to Poitiers. Scarcity of provisions and the terror of a Thunder-clap which tore his Tent in two, forced him to raise it; and yet the Count presuming to pursue the French upon their retreat, they turned head and put him to the rout with great slaughter of his Nobility.

The following year Hugh, who without a Scepter, had Reigned more then 20 years, being the Son of a King, Father of a King, Uncle to a King, and Brother* 1.1 in Law to three Kings, died in his City of Paris full of years, glory, and riches. He was surnamed the White * from his skin, the Great from his power, or per∣haps his bulk; and the Abbot, because he held the Abbeys of St. Denis, St. Germain des Prez, and St. Martin's of Tours. At his death he intreated Richard Duke of Normandy his Son in Law, to be the Protector of his Children and Vassals.

He had three wives, Rotilda Sister of Lewis the Stammerer, Ethild Daughter of Edward King of England, whose two Sisters were married to Charles the Simple and Otho, and Avida * 1.2, or Avoye Sister of the same Otho and Queen Gerberge. There came no Children by the first two, but by the third he had Hugues, or Hugh, surnamed Capet, who was Earl of Paris and Orleance, then also Duke of France; Otho who was Duke of Burgundy after the Death of Gilbert his Father in Law: Eudes or Odon who succeeded him; and Henry who likewise enjoyed it after them.

[Year of our Lord 956. 57. and 58.] These four Sons not being yet in a capacity to make any noise, the eldest not above 16 years of Age, Gerberge governed peaceably enough, excepting some petty quarrels about the Castles belonging to the Arch-Bishoprick of Reims and some private contests.

The worst of it was, that it seemed most of the affairs were managed according to the pleasure and will of King Otho and Bruno his Brother Arch-Bishop of Colen, and Duke or Governor of Lorrain, so that they became as it were the Moderators and Arbitrators of France.

[Year of our Lord 959] The Queen being at difference with the Children of Hugh and the Widdow Avoye her Sister, for some Castles which King Lotaire had taken from them in Burgundy, Bruno came into France and brought them to an agreement in a Parlia∣ment held at Compiegne. After which the Queen and her Son Lataire went to keep Easter at Colen with Bruno who entertained them splendidly, and sent them back furnished with very brave Presents.

A while after being called to their assistance against Robert Earl of Troyes, and Count of Chaalons by his wife, who had surprized Dijon, he returned into France with his Lorrainers and regained that place. At the same time he sent some Saxon Forces to Troyes to restore the Bishop whom that Robert had thrust out thence: But Renard Earl of Sens and Rimbauld Arch-Bishop of the same City, friends to Robert gave them Battel and defeated them.

The same year died Alain surnamed Barbe-torte* 1.3 Duke of Bretagne and Son of Earl Matueda, who left two Bastards, Hoel and Guerec, and one Legitimate Child named Drogon then in his Cradle, whom he declared Heir. Thibauld Earl of Chartres Grand-Father by the Mother to this Child had the Tuition, and the Mo∣ther the care of his person. Now marrying again with Fulk Earl of Anjou, this [Year of our Lord 959] wicked woman unhappily killed him, by causing scalding water to be thrown down upon the Infants head.

The Succession begot a bloody debate in Bretagne which lasted 34 years. The two Bastards of Alain disputed it with one Conan, who was descended by a Daughter from King Salomon: he made them both perish, Hoel by the hands of a Souldier who assassinated him, and Guerec, by a poysoned Lancet wherewith a Chyrurgeon let him Blood. But himself perished at length in a Battel he lost An. 992. against Fulk Earl of Anjou a Capital Enemy of the Bretons. Geofrey the eldest of the four Sons he left succeeded him.

The Children of the Defunct Hugh the White, thorough the persuasion of Arch-Bishop Bruno, tendred hommage for their Lands to King Lotaire, who in retribution declared the Eldest, Duke of France, as his Father had been, and bestowed Poitou upon him; you must understand if he could conquer it, for it

was possessed by another very potent Earl. This is a conjecture that the Kings had not yet given entirely away their power, of bestowing Dutchy's and Earl∣doms, and that if they were Hereditary, it was only by Usurpation, not as yet by Concession.

All the new Principalities and Seigniories or Lordships which were started up in the Kingdom did not trouble the King so much as that of the Normans, who being strangers and the Issue of those Fathers that had plagued and plundred France 80 years together, should yet enjoy so rich a Province. Wherefore Bruno who governed the affairs of the Kingdom, being excited by the persuasions of Ar∣nold Earl of Flanders, Baldwin his Son, Thibauld Earl of Chartres, and Geofrey Earl of Anjou; combined to ruine Duke Richard. For this purpose he sent for him to come to the Royal Parliament, or General Assembly of Estates at Amiens▪ putting him in hopes, if he came thither, they would give him the Admi∣nistration of the Kingdom: But it was with design to Sieze and send him Prisoner into Germany. Richard who was on his journey, being informed of this Combina∣tion by two unknown Cavaliers, returned whence he came and stood more upon his Guard.

[Year of our Lord 959] He avoided likewise another Snare the King had laid for him near the River of Epte, to which place sending for him to come and do him hommage, he meant to lay hold on him. The Duke had already passed the Epte, when the Scouts he had sent forth to discover what the King was doing, brought him word that all his Enemies were about the King, and were making ready to set upon him. By this he understood the meaning of the French, and withdrew in time.

[Year of our Lord 957] Since Berenger and Adelbert had been restored to the Kingdom of Italy by Otho, they never ceased to conspire against him, and withal cruelly vexing their Subjects, so that he had sent his Son Luitolf to chastise them. This young Prince had almost hunted them quite out of the Kingdom, when he was surprised by Death An. 958. not without suspition of poyson, and thus left his Conquest im∣perfect. [Year of our Lord 958]

* 1.4 Now the complaints of the Lords and Prelats, and the earnest entreaty of the Pope pressing King Otho, he resolved to go himself, after he had Crowned his Son Otho II. at Aix la Chapelle, though he were but seven years of Age.

Upon his Arrival in Italy, Berenger, his Son, and his Wife abandoned the Cities and Country, and retired each of them into a strong Fort. Otho was there recei∣ved with universal applause, recovered Pavia, was Crowned King of Lombardy at Milan by the Arch-Bishop, and thence marched to Rome, where he received the Imperial Crown upon Christmass-day by the hands of John XII. who had been put into the Holy Chair by the Credit and Money of his Father Alberic before [Year of our Lord 960. 961. 962.] the Age of 18 years.

This Alberic was the Son of Marosia, who had chaced King Hugh from Rome; after which he had changed the Government there, and made himself Consul that he might command in Chief with a Prefect and some Tribuns. [Year of our Lord 963]

Now the young Pope who had earnestly desired Otho to come, quickly changed his mind, and recalled Berenger to Rome as soon as Otho was gone from thence to reduce the rest of those places which that Tyrant still held. Otho being informed of this odd fantastical news did not give over his Conquests, then when he thought* 1.5 it seasonable to return to Rome he led his Army thither.

The young Pope being fled with Berenger and the Treasure of the Church, he caused his Process to be made, not for his Intrusion, but for Murther, Sacriledge, Adultery, Incest, Simony, and other enormous crimes. For this end he Assem∣bled a Council, John was cited before them in due form, and not appearing they deposed him, and in his place put Leo, who was the VIII. of that name.

[Year of our Lord 963] This Pope to avoid the trouble the Cabals caused in Elections, gave the Em∣peror Otho the power thenceforward to Elect the Popes and Bishops, and to give him Investiture. The Ecclesiastical History does likewise observe that this John XII. was called Octavian before his Election, and that he was the first Pope that changed his name.

Whilst Otho was passing the Christmass Holy-days at Rome with the new Pope, having quartred his Army out of the City: the Faction and money of John the deposed Pope, made the Romans rise to Attaque him Treacherously, he had notice of it time enough to prevent surprize, put himself in the head of his Army [Year of our Lord 965] and came boldly to them. They were afraid and coming to a composition with him gave several Hostages.

He delivered them up again some few days after upon the entreaties of Leo; but no sooner was he gone to besiege Camerin, but they revolted, drove out Leo, and received John in their City: where he exercised most revengeful cruelty upon Leo's Friends. He had continued it to the end, had he not been killed in the very act of enjoying a Woman. After his death the Romans persisting in their Rebellion Elected the Arch▪Deacon Bennet. Immediately Otho returns again, reduces Rome to a Famine, compels Bennet to ask pardon in the Synod of Bishops, and causing him to be degraded of his Priest-hood, sent him Prisoner into Germany, where about a year after he died at Hamburgh.

Some months thence believing Italy might remain in Peace, because he had ta∣ken Berenger and confined him to Bamberg in Germany, he returned home and marched his Army with him. After his departure some Lombard Counts re∣volted having Adelbert and Guy the Sons of Berenger at their head: But Duke Bur∣chard whom he sent back overthrew them in a great Battel, which was fought on the Banks of the Po. Guy the most mischievous of them all was left dead up∣on the place, and Adelbert escaped with much ado.

This last having gathered some Forces together, hazards another Battel An. 968 [☞] which loosing he died with grief. And thus with him ended the second Kingdom of Italy, or if you will it passed over the German Princes who let it moulder away and come to nothing.

After Pope Leo VIII. was dead, and that John XIII. had been set in the Chair with the consent of Otho, on whom Leo had bestowed the power of Confirming the Election of Popes: the Prefect, Consuls, Tribuns and other Magistrates of the City of Rome, displeased that Otho had greatly limited their power, which before led all Italy as they pleased, they put this Pope in Prison, then turned him out of Rome, calling to their aid Rofroy Count of Campania.

The Pope retires to Pandolfus Prince of Capoua who restored him, and John his Brother slew Rofroy. In recompence the Pope erects an Arch-Bishoprick at Ca∣poua, [Year of our Lord 966] and bestowed it on the murtherer of his Enemy.

But Otho desiring to remedy things once for all by suppressing these Rebellions, returns to Italy, where he setled his Authority by severe punishments, by reward∣ing [Year of our Lord 966. and 967.] of friends, by creating new Counts, by good and wholesome Laws, and in fine by the conquest of Calabria and Puglia, which he wrested from the Grecian Empire, who had kept them hitherto.

[Year of our Lord 968] And to compleat all he Crowned his Son Otho at Milan by the hands of the Pope, and joyned him in the Empire. This young Prince three years after, that is to say in An. 971. Married Teophania or Tifaine Daughter of the Emperor Ni∣cephorus who was then dead.

Thus Otho but little inferior to Charlemaine, raised the Western Empire, the [☞] Title thereof ever since that time remaining as it were annexed to Germany, with pretences much more great and extensive then their Forces. We shall henceforth speak no more of the affairs of Italy, and little of Germany, unless where things do joyntly relate to the French.

[Year of our Lord 962] During these Transactions, in Italy, divers quarrels were troublesome to France, the two greatest were that about the Arch-Bishoprick of Reims, and the hatred of the Counts Thibauld de Chartres and Arnold of Flanders against the Normans. The first might have been ended by restoring Hugh of Vermandois to his Dignity in Reims, Artold the Arch-Bishop being dead An. 962. if the Queen could have suffer'd it: But far from giving her assent, she so brought it about, that the Council of Soissons refer'd it to the Pope who declared him Excommu∣nicated.

[Year of our Lord 963] The Brethren of this Hugh furiously Animated against Guibuin Bishop of Chaalons, who in that Assembly had proved thechief obstacle against his restoration, Burnt the City.

[Year of our Lord 964. and 65.] The Earl of Chartres was supported by the King against the Normans, because he was joyned both by alliance and affection to the Interest of the Sons of Hugh the Great. He lost a Battel in Normandy, for which he received satisfaction by the conquest of Evreux which the King put into his hands, having obtained it by intelligence. Richard followed him close at the heels, and getting into the Coun∣try almost as soon as himself made terrible havock. The Earl of Chartres had his revenge the very same year, carrying Fire and Sword to the very Gates of Rouen: but was rudely repulsed, and lost his Son in the Retreat.

[Year of our Lord 965] Arnold surnamed the Old, the Fair and the Great, Earl of Flanders died in the

year 965. The Son of Baldwin his Son, named Arnold the Young Succeeded him under the Guardianship of Matilda of Saxony his Mother. This was that Arnold who being come to Age, began to Fortify the Port of Petressa or Scalas, which then belonged to the Abbey of St. Berthin. It is now named Calais Neighbour to Portus Iccius; in these days, as it is believed, called Blanc Nez, and very Famous in the Romans times, who from thence passed over into Great Britain. He thought to make good use of it against the Normand Pyrats, and because he could not al∣ways be on those Coasts, he gave the County of Guisnes to Adolph Son of Siffroy, who had married the Daughter of Hernieulle Earl of Boulogne.

King Lotaire having heard of the Death of Arnold the Old, went immediately into the Country to receive Hommage of the Lords, and took Arras and Doway. As on the other side William Earl of Pontieu, took from that Minor Boulogne and Terouenne, and two of his Sons were Earls, each of one, of those Cities.

[Year of our Lord 966] The same year Arch-Bishop Bruno being come into France to determine some difference between his Sister Gerberge and King Lotaire with the Children and Widdow of Hugh, was Siezed with a Feaver at Compiegne, which he carried to Reims with him and there Died.

Some Authors give him the Title of Arch-Duke of Lorraine, because he commanded all the Dukes and Earls of that Kingdom. And this is the first time that I find that Title in any Authors.

There was before this time a Marquiss and Duke of the higher or Mosellanick Lorrain; which was Gerard, from whom it is held the Lorrain Princes of our days are descended. Some Genealogists derive it from Erchinoald Mayre of the Palace, and from the same stock they make the Austrian Habspurgh-House to spring, with that of Zeringhen, from whence is issued the Princes of Baden.

The King marry's Emme or Emina Daughter of that Lotaire King of Italy Poyso∣ned by Berenger II. and the Queen Adeleida whom the Emperor Otho made his [Year of our Lord 966] Second Wife; which strengthned the good correspondence between the two Mo∣narchs of France and Germany.

There hapned nothing very observable during these two years, unless it were that in An. 967. King Lotaire gave his Sister Matilda in marriage to Conrad King [Year of our Lord 967. and 68.] of Burgundy, and for her Dowre bestowed the City and County of Lyons.

The Earl Thibauld supported by the King, went and encamped before Rouen, from whence he could not be forced but by the help of the Infidel Normans, which the King of Denmark of Kin to Richard sent thither, who having made him retreat, ran [Year of our Lord 969] to the very Gates of Paris. * 1.6

The ignorance of those times was extream; which is the reason that for want of Histo∣rians, we scarcely find any thing, and must sometimes slip over whole years without menti∣on of any occurrences.

* 1.7 In the year 973. Died the Emperor Otho, very justly surnamed the Great, foun∣der of the Germain Empire, Subduer of the Hungarians and Sclavonians, and who found out the Method to Quell the Italians Pride, and Chain up their persidious mutability.

LOTAIRE in France.

OTHO II. Emperor of Italy and Germany, Aged 21 or 22 years.

CONRAD in Burgundy.

* 1.8 The Reign of his Son Otho II. was neither so steady nor so happy as his own. Gi∣selbert the Husband of Gerberge, afterwards Queen, had a Brother named Regnier Long-neck Earl of Mons in Haynault, and Valenciennes, who having been taken in that City by Arch-Bishop Bruno, had been confined to the Country of the Venedes; and some time after two Counts named Garnier, and Raginald or Renold, who were in my opinion of his Kindred, were invested in his Lands. But his Sons Regnier II. [Year of our Lord 973] and Lambert after the Death of Otho, Armed themselves with the Aid of the French to be restored.

* 1.9 This begot a Bloody and most obstinate War. The two Brothers defeated and slew in a Battel, fought at a Village of Peronne near Binns, the Counts Garnier and Renold: But Otho II. immediately substituted Renauld and Godfrey two Lorrain Lords, whom he invested with the Earldoms of Hainault and Valenciennes. Now [Year of our Lord 975] after various events the two Brothers assisted by Charles Brother to King Lotaire and Hugh Capet, whose Daughters they afterwards Married, got possession again of those Counties: But it was at soonest not till An. 983.

[Year of our Lord 977] The Emperor was highly displeased that these two Sons of a Rebel should pos∣sess such large and great Feoss in his Kingdom of Lorrain in despite of him; how∣ever he dissembled it, having other affairs which would not allow him time to break with King Lotaire.

[Year of our Lord 977] Which is more whether out of design to oblige him, or rather to put a Barr in his way, he Created Charles his Brother Duke of Lorrain, a young Prince about the Age of 23 or 24 years.

The French had not forgot the remembrance of their Ancient right to Lorrain; And the King, as Son of Gerberge, who of her own held very many great possessions in Capite, expected that Otho his Cousin German would restore some part to him, especially seeing he had given such sweet Morsels to the Bishops of Liege and Colen.

But not doing so, Lotaire undertakes to compel him. He gets unexpectedly into the Country with an Army, takes the Oaths of the Lorrainers in the City of Mets, and from thence marches directly to Aix-la-Chapelle. Otho was diverting himself there very securely with his Family, it wanted not above half an hours time to have surprised him: He could do no other, but only just get on Horse∣back and fly for his safety, leaving his Dinner at the Table, and all his precious [Year of our Lord 978] Houshold Furniture in the Palace, which Lotaire plunder'd, and then scowred thorough all the whole Country.

In revenge of this Exploit, the very same year Otho made a great irruption in France with Three-score Thousand men, sacked all Champagne, and that which is called the Isle of France even to Paris, sending word to Hugh Capet, who being Count of that City had put himself in there, that he would have an Alleluya sung upon Montmartre by so many Clerks it should be heard at Nostre-Dame.

Those Rodomontado's were not justified by the effects. His* 1.10 Nephew going in a Bravado to plant his Lance in one of the Gates of Paris, was slain by Gefrey Grise∣gonnelle Earl of Anjou; Winter which came on obliged him to retire, and Lo∣taire and Hugh Capet having drawn their Forces together, cut off all his Reare-Guard at his passage over the River of Aisne, which was overflown, and pursued him fighting to the Ardennes.

The Almain Monks of those days, as it is the Genius of men to pretend Miracles in great danger, write that St. Udalric Bishop of Ausburgh, who accompanted that Emperor in this War, went over the River Aisne dry-fout, leading the way before him and his whole Army who followed, the over-following Stream miraculously growing hard and firm under them, the River becoming a Bridge to it's self.

In this retreat the Earl of Anjou did let the Germans know, that the quarrel being between the two Kings, it would be better according to common right, for them to decide it singly hand to hand, then to spill the Blood of so many innocent people▪ But the Germans reply'd, that although they did not doubt the courage of their [☞] King, nevertheless they would not consent that he should expose his person singly; Confessing tacitely thereby that they did not think him so brave as the King of France.

[Year of our Lord 978] Otho thus roughly handled, sought an accommodation with the French: Lotaire and he conferring together in the City of Reims, concluded a Peace upon condi∣tion, that Lotaire should yeild him Lorrain to be held in Feif of the Crown of France, say our Authors; for which the French Lords shewed a great deal of dis∣content.

[Year of our Lord 978] Thus the Soveraignty of that Kingdom remained in Lotaire, the Dutchy of the Lower Lorrain, which two years before had been bestowed upon Charles his Brother by Otho, reverted to his disposal: but as he must give some part to Charles, he agreed he should enjoy that also. Which was consented to at an enter-view be∣tween that King and Otho upon the River of Kar, the German Prince having

desired that conference before he undertook this expedition into Italy against the Saracens.

[Year of our Lord 978] Charles imagining his Brother had yeilded him that Dutchy but by compulsion, was so ill advised, that he might have some body to support him in it, as to ren∣der Hommage for it to Otho, instead of holding the Soveraignty himself as he might have done.

[Year of our Lord 981] Two years after, Otho, to oblige hm the more, gave him likewise the Coun∣try all about Mets, Toul, Verdon, and Nancy and other Lands between the Meuse and the Rhine.

Now this submission tendred by Charles to a Stranger, sounded very ill amongst the French, and the Augmentation of his power certainly shock'd the designs of Hugh Capet, who was preparing his way to the Throne. For we must consider that Charles was the only obstacle, Lotaire having but one Son, weak both in Age and understanding, and of very small hopes.

Besides the long abode of that Prince in those Countries without coming into France, the too great affection he shewed for the Germans, who at that time were the Capital Enemies of France, as likewise some ren-counters with the King his Brother; one amongst the rest about the City of Cambray, which he defended against that King who would have plundred the Churches as he had done those of Arras: gave his Enemies occasion to decry him amongst the French.

[Year of our Lord 982] The Emperor Otho II. Died in the year 982. having before declared his Son of the same name Successor of his Estates.

LOTAIRE and LOUIS his Son in France.

OTHO III. Emperor and King of Germany and Lorraine, Aged 17 years.

CONRAD in Burgundy.

* 1.11 Upon the News of his Death Lotaire believed that Germany was going to be all in confusion and combustion by reason of the contests about the Guardianship of young Otho, who was then but seven years old: wherefore he entred Lorraine An. 983. to regain it, and took 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with Godfrey Earl thereof: but when he un∣derstood Otho was Crowned by th•• content of all the Grandees, he engaged no [Year of our Lord 982] farther, but returned home to Fran••••

[Year of our Lord 985] Two years after he rendred up the City of Verdun, gave Godfrey his liberty, and caused his Son Louis to be Crowned to Reign with him. He had already mar∣ried him to a Princess of Aquitain, named Blanche; And yet was at most not above 18 or 19. years of Age.

It is not well known of which Aquitain she was; for in that Age, and the next follow∣ing, the French comprehended Languedoc and Provence likewise under that name.

[Year of our Lord 986] This couple were ill-matched, the Woman couragious and gallant, the Hus∣band wanting vigour of mind, and perhaps of Body; in so much that she despised him, and carrying him into her own Country under colour that she could procure the conquest of it by the assistance and interest of her Kindred and Allies she plan∣ted him there, and the King his Father was forced to go and fetch him thence again.

This was a great misfortune in the Royal Family, and a greater yet that Lotaire Died the 12th Day of March in the following year of some desperate morsel, given [Year of our Lord 987] him by his own wife.

He was a Warlike Prince, active, careful of his affairs, and worthy in fine to have commanded better Subjects. He survived little more then the 45th year of his Age, and the 33th of his Reign.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Le Blare.
• * 1.2

  Hauvida and Hadevida.
• * 1.3

  Curle-beard, or Twist or Twine-beard.
• * 1.4

  Empp. Roman. Porphy∣rogenetus having poyson'd Con∣stantine the VIII. his Fa∣ther, in No∣vember and the Empire vacant in the West.
• * 1.5

  Empp. Nicephorus in March, Basil, and Constan∣tine, the Sons of Romain be∣ing Minors. and Otho I.
• * 1.6

  Empp. John Zemisy, ha∣ving kill'd Ni∣cephorus, in De∣cember
• * 1.7

  969. and Otho I. 970. 973.
• * 1.8

  Empp. John Zemis, and Otho II. in May▪ R. 10, years and 6. Months.
• * 1.9

  Then Basilius and Constantine R. 50 years. in Decemb.
• * 1.10

  History does not mention his name.
• * 1.11

  Empp. Basile and Con∣stant. and Otho III. R. 20. years.