Saint Eberhard of Friuli

Eberhard (c. 815 – 16 December 867) was the Frankish Duke of Friuli from 846. His name is alternatively spelled Everard, Evrard, Erhard, or Eberard; in Latinized fashion, Everardus, Eberardus, or Eberhardus. He wrote his own name "Evvrardus". He was an important political, military, and cultural figure in the Carolingian Empire during his lifetime. He kept a large library, commissioned works of Latin literature from Lupus Servatus and Sedulius Scottus, and maintained a correspondence with the theologians and church leaders Gottschalk, Rabanus Maurus, and Hincmar. Eberhard was from an illustrious Frankish family, though his parentage is debated. His marriage to Gisèle, the daughter of Emperor Louis the Pious, cemented his eminent position at the Frankish court. Although a layman, Eberhard was not only literate but possessed an extensive library, which is detailed in his will. He acted as a patron for the theologian and heretic Gottshalk of Orbais. As soon as his age permitted him to carry arms, Eberhard took part in numerous military expeditions. Named Duke of Friuli and Count or Marquis de Trévise, in Italy, he defended his country against invasion by the Bulgars and managed to completely drive them from the peninsula—825-830. He rendered service unto Louis the Pious that was still more distinguished. During the tragic years (830-839) where the emperor had suffered at the hand of his son's revolt the most undignified treatment, Count Eberhard remained inviolably loyal. He exercised his influence in Lothair's sphere (the elder son of the emperor) to bring about a reconciliation between father and son. It is certain that it was on his counsel in 839 that Lothaire went to Worms to implore the pardon of his father. In return for his services, the emperor Louis the Pious gave Count Evrard the highest honor possible: the hand of his (acknowledged) daughter, the Princess Gisèle, in marriage.