Adolf III of Holstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adolf III of Holstein
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Statue of Adolf III by Engelbert Peiffer, on the Trostbrücke in Hamburg
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| Born | 1160 |
| Died | 3 January 1225 |
| Noble family | House of Schauenburg |
| Spouse(s) | Adelheid of Assel Adelheid of Querfurt |
| Issue | Adolf IV of Holstein |
| Father | Adolf II of Holstein |
| Mother | Mechthild of Schwarzburg-Käfernburg |
Adolf III (born 1160, died January 3, 1225) was an important ruler in medieval Germany. He was the Count of Schauenburg and Holstein. He is best known for helping to create a new trading town in Hamburg. This new settlement was built along the Alster river, near a castle called the Neue Burg.
Contents
Who Was Adolf III?
Adolf III became a count when he was very young. He was the only son of Count Adolf II of Holstein-Wagria. When his father passed away in 1164, Adolf III took over. Because he was a child, his mother, Mechthild of Schwarzburg-Käfernburg, helped him rule at first.
Adolf's Time as a Ruler
Adolf III lived during a time when powerful leaders often fought for control. He was involved in many important events.
Supporting Henry the Lion
At first, Count Adolf III supported a very powerful duke named Henry the Lion. Adolf even joined Henry on a military trip against the Archbishop of Cologne, Philipp von Heinsberg. He also fought alongside Henry in the Battle of Halerfeld in 1180. After this battle, Henry the Lion gave Adolf important rights in the Middle Weser region. This area became the basis for the County of Schauenburg.
Changing Sides to Frederick Barbarossa
Later in 1180, Adolf decided to stop supporting Henry the Lion. Because of this, Henry drove Adolf out of Holstein. Adolf then sought help from Frederick Barbarossa, who was the Holy Roman Emperor. With the Emperor's help, Adolf got his lands back in 1181 after Henry the Lion lost power.
Journeys to the Holy Land
Adolf III also went on two Crusades to the Holy Land.
- In 1188, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa did not support Adolf's claim to the town of Lübeck. Despite this, Adolf joined Frederick on the Third Crusade. He reached Tyre in 1190. From there, he returned home to protect his lands. Henry the Lion had come back from exile, and Adolf needed to defend Holstein.
- In 1196, he went to the Holy Land a second time for the Crusade of 1197. He returned home in 1198.
Challenges from Denmark
Adolf III's rule faced big challenges from Denmark. The Danish kings, Canute VI and later Valdemar II, wanted to expand their kingdom.
- In 1201, Adolf lost the Battle of Stellau against the Danes.
- Later, he was captured by Valdemar in Hamburg.
- To gain his freedom, Adolf was forced to give up his title to the County of Holstein in 1203.
- After his release, he moved to the County of Schauenburg. It was up to his son, Adolf IV of Holstein, to try and win Holstein back.
Later Life and Family
Around 1224, Adolf III gave up his rights as a Vogt (a kind of protector) over Wennigsen Abbey. This event was recorded in a document, which is the first written record of that monastery.
Adolf III was married twice:
- First, in 1182, to Adelheid of Assel.
- Second, to Adelheid of Querfurt.
He had five children:
- Adolf IV
- Konrad
- Bruno of Schauenburg, who became a Bishop of Olmütz
- Mechthilde
- Margarete
Images for kids
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Statue of Adolf III by Engelbert Peiffer, on the Trostbrücke in Hamburg
See Also
- House of Schauenburg
- Counts of Schauenburg and Holstein
