King Louis IV of France

Louis IV, known as d'Outremer or Transmarinus, was born in 920 or 921 in the Carolingian heartlands between Laon and Reims. He was the only son of King Charles the Simple and Eadgifu of Wessex, linking him to both Charlemagne and King Alfred the Great. After his father's capture in 923, Louis and his mother sought refuge in Wessex, where he grew up at the court of his uncle, King Æthelstan.

In 936, at the age of 15, Louis was invited back to West Francia by Hugh the Great to succeed King Rudolph. His coronation took place in Laon, where he was crowned by Archbishop Artald of Reims. Louis attempted to assert independence from Hugh the Great, who held power as the duke of the Franks.

Louis IV attempted to expand his influence, including a failed attempt to conquer Lotharingia in 939. His brother-in-law, King Otto I of East Francia, countered this move by besieging Reims. Louis continued to build alliances, particularly with the counts of Vermandois, to strengthen his position.

In 945, Louis attempted to seize Normandy following the death of William I Longsword but was captured and handed over to Hugh the Great. The Synod of Ingelheim in 948 excommunicated Hugh, freeing Louis from his influence. By 950, Louis had begun to consolidate his rule in the northeast of the kingdom.

Louis IV married Gerberga of Saxony, with whom he had seven children, including Lothair, who would succeed him, and Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine. Gerberga supported Louis's reign, including during his imprisonment and military campaigns. In the early 950s, Gerberga consulted Adso of Montier-en-Der about eschatological concerns.

Louis continued his reign until his untimely death in 954. His burial took place at the Abbey of Saint-Remi in Reims, where Gerberga ensured the dynastic memorial was maintained.

Louis IV died at the age of 33 or 34 after falling from his horse while hunting near Reims. His son Lothair succeeded him as King of West Francia, with the regency initially held by Hugh the Great and later by Gerberga's brother Bruno the Great.