He succeeded his father as King of Provence. In 900, in themidst of a period of political instability the nobles ofnorthwest Italy elected Louis as their King. He went to Rome,where he was crowned Emporer. He later lost their support andwas kicked out of Italy by Arnulf of Germany, thus giving up theItalian throne to Berenger of Friuli in 902. In 905 he returnedto Italy and tried to recapture the throne, but Berengercaptured him and had him blinded.