Adalbert Atto of Canossa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adalbert Atto
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| Successor | Tedald |
| Died | 13 February 988 |
| Noble family | House of Canossa |
| Spouse(s) | Hildegard (of the Supponid family) |
| Father | Sigifred of Lucca |
Adalbert Atto (also known as Adalberto Azzo) was an important figure who lived in the 900s. He died on February 13, 988. He was the very first Count of Canossa and started a powerful family known as the House of Canossa. This family later became very important in the politics of Italy and during a big argument in history called the Investiture Controversy in the 1000s and 1100s.
Becoming a Powerful Count
Adalbert Atto first appears in historical records as the son of Sigifred of Lucca. He started out as a vassal (a loyal follower) of King Lothair II. He also served Adelard, who was the Bishop of Reggio.
Adalbert quickly became famous. He helped Adelaide of Italy when she was in trouble. She had escaped from Berengar II of Italy's prison in Garda in 951. Adalbert gave her a safe place to stay in his castle at Canossa.
After Otto I married Adelaide of Italy, Otto I rewarded Adalbert. He gave Adalbert control over the areas of Reggio nell'Emilia and Modena. A historical book called the Chronicon Novaliciense says Adalbert received these lands because he helped Adelaide.
Adalbert worked with Adelaide of Italy to share power with the Bishop of Reggio. The bishop was in charge of the city itself. Adalbert became the count of the county, meaning he controlled the land outside the city walls. This area usually started about three or four miles from the city. He also had a similar title in Mantua in 977.
In 984, Adalbert was called a margrave. This was a title for a military commander in charge of a border region. When Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, was briefly made king that year, he added more lands to Adalbert's control. These included Parma, Piacenza, Bergamo, Cremona, and Brescia. However, Henry's time as king did not last long.
His Family and Legacy
Adalbert Atto built a monastery (a place for monks) at Canossa in 961. It was dedicated to Saint Apollonio in 971. He also built another monastery in Brescello. Adalbert and his family were all buried in the S. Apollonio monastery.
Adalbert married a woman named Hildegard (also called Ildegarda) from the Supponid family. They had three sons: Geoffrey, Bishop of Brescia, Tedaldo Count of Reggio, and Rudolph. Rudolph died before his father. Adalbert also had a daughter named Prangarda. She married Manfredo I, who was a powerful leader in Turin and Susa-Piemonte.
See Also
- House of Canossa
- Adelaide of Italy
- Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor
it:Canossa (famiglia)#Adalberto Atto
