Louis II was renowned for his resolute campaigns in southern Italy, reclaiming Bari from Arab control and expanding imperial Louis II of Italy (c.825-875), eldest son of Lothair I, was crowned King of Italy in 844 and co-emperor in 850, later inheriting the imperial title in 855. Though his realm spanned both sides of the Alps, he ruled mainly from Italy, touring the land to confirm charters, secure loyalty, and stabilize finances. His greatest campaigns targeted Arab strongholds in southern Italy. From 866 he united Lombard lords with Byzantine fleets, steadily weakening enemy bases. In 871 he captured Bari, seizing its emir and reclaiming key ports. His cautious strategy of blockade, joint land-sea pressure, and mediation among Italian nobles restored Adriatic trade and briefly revived Carolingian power in the south. That same year, however, he was seized at Benevento by Adelchis, a wary Lombard prince, and forced to swear withdrawal. Freed from the oath by papal dispensation, he resumed pressure in the south until his death near Brescia in 875. Buried