ADELAIDE, Empress Consort of Holy Roman Emperor Otto I

ădˈəlād or Adelheidäˈdĕlhīt, c.931–999, empress consort of Holy Roman Emperor Otto I, daughter of King Rudolf II of Arles. After the death (950) of her first husband, King Lothair of Italy, she was about to be forced into a marriage with the son of Berengar II, Lothair's successor. She appealed to Otto I, who rescued and married her in 951. After living in Lombardy (985–991), she returned to Germany to serve as sole regent for her grandson, Otto III, from 991 to 994. She was also known as a great benefactor of religious houses.

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