Adaldag facts for kids
Adaldag (around 900 – 28 April 988) was an important leader of the church. He was the seventh archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen. He held this powerful position from 937 until he passed away.
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Adaldag's Life and Work
Adaldag came from a powerful family. He was related to and taught by Adalward, who was the Bishop of Verden. Adaldag later became a church official in Hildesheim.
Working with Emperor Otto I
When Otto I became emperor, he quickly made Adaldag his main helper and record-keeper. Adaldag was also well-liked by Otto's mother, Queen Matilda.
In 936, the archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen, Unni, died. Otto I chose Adaldag to be the new archbishop. He also gave Adaldag powers similar to those of a count.
Growing the Church's Influence
Adaldag was archbishop for a very long time. He held the position longer than anyone before him. He also did a lot to help his church area, called a diocese, grow. His success was also due to good timing and the hard work of the archbishops before him.
Under Adaldag, the main church area of Hamburg-Bremen gained its first smaller church areas. These new bishoprics were in Ribe, Schleswig, and Århus. The church area of Aldenburg (now Oldenburg in Holstein) was also placed under Hamburg.
Protecting His Church
Adaldag successfully stopped the church leaders in Cologne from trying to control Bremen. He gained many special rights for his church. These rights included power over land and market trading. He got these benefits because he had a very close relationship with the emperors, especially Otto I.
Adaldag traveled with Otto I to Rome. He stayed with the emperor from 961 to 965. He was known as the emperor's main advisor when Otto I was crowned in Rome. Otto I even placed a former pope, Benedict V, in Adaldag's care in Hamburg. Adaldag treated Benedict with great respect until he died a few months later.
Later Years and Challenges
After Adaldag returned to Hamburg, he kept his strong connections with the emperors. His special rights were confirmed by Otto II and later by the young Otto III.
In his later years, Adaldag faced problems. The Danes and Slavic people attacked the northern areas. He had to rebuild Hamburg after the city was attacked in 983 by the Obotrites under their leader, Mistiwoi.
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