Adolf IV, Count of Berg facts for kids

Adolf IV of Berg was a powerful count who ruled the region of Berg from 1132 to 1160. He was also the Count of Altena. He was the son of Adolf III of Berg, who was also a count.

Adolf IV was married twice. His first wife was Adelheid von Arnsberg. Later, he married Irmgard (?) von Schwarzenberg. He had several children who became important figures in their own right.

What Adolf IV Did

Adolf IV was known for building important structures.

Building Castles

He built the famous Altena Castle. This castle was a strong fortress and an important place for his family.

Building Abbeys

Adolf IV also founded the Altenberg Abbey in 1133. An abbey is a type of monastery where monks live and pray. In 1160, Adolf IV himself joined the abbey, becoming a monk there.

His Children

Adolf IV had many children who went on to have significant roles.

Children from His First Marriage

• Adolf V of Berg: He became the Count of Berg but sadly died in Damascus in 1148. He was married to Irmgard von Wasserburg.

Children from His Second Marriage

• Engelbert I of Berg: He took over as Count of Berg after his father, ruling from 1160 to 1189. He was born before 1150 and passed away in June 1189. He married Margaret of Geldern.
• Eberhard IV of Berg: He was the first Count of Altena and was also known as Eberhard I von Altena. He was born around 1140 and died in 1180. He was buried in Altenberg.
• Friedrich II of Berg: He became the Archbishop of Cologne from 1156 to 1158. An archbishop is a very important church leader. He was born around 1140 and died in Pavia in 1158.
• Bruno III of Berg: He also became the Archbishop of Cologne and the Duke of Westfalia from 1191 to 1193. He died in 1193 and was buried in Altenberg.
• Arnold: He served as the Prince-Bishop of Osnabrück from 1173 to 1190. A prince-bishop was both a religious leader and a ruler of a territory. He died as a crusader before Akkon in 1190.

Images for kids

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  Castle of Altena

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  At the beginning of the 12th century Adolf II of Berg donated the site of their old ancestral castle, Schloss Berg, to Cistercian monks from Burgundy. Adolf IV later built the Altenberg Abbey.