ABSTRACT
The emergence of the marchio and dux in Burgundy was one of the most important long-term consequences of the struggle between Odo and Charles the Simple. Count Richard exploited the situation created by Fulk's coup and formed an alliance with his nephew and most powerful vassal Manasses in order to oust Robertian influence from the area of Burgundy he administered. The Annals of St Vaast imply that there was a close relationship between Odo and St Vaast in the earlier part of his reign. Odo's chief opponents alsa controlled powerful abbacies, such as those of St Bertin, St Germain of Auxerre, St Crépin at Soissons and St Columba of Sens. By his acknowledgement of Odo Arnulf was, however, guaranteed the right to exert an influence in the west Frankish kingdom, and the idea that all the Frankish kingdoms were part of a loose unity, upheld on Charles the Fat's selection as king, was preserved.
