Adolf IV of Holstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Adolf IV |
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|---|---|
| Count of Holstein | |
| Reign | 1227 - 1238 |
| Predecessor | Valdemar II of Denmark |
| Successor | Gerhard I John |
| Count of Schauenburg | |
| Reign | 1225 - 1238 |
| Predecessor | Adolf III |
| Successor | Gerhard I |
| Born | before 1205 |
| Died | 8 July 1261 the Franciscan Friary in Kiel |
| Spouse | Heilwig of Lippe |
| Issue | Mechtild, Queen of Denmark John I, Count of Holstein-Kiel Gerhard I, Count of Holstein-Itzehoe Ludolf |
| House | House of Schauenburg |
| Father | Adolf III, Count of Holstein |
| Mother | Adelheid of Querfurt |
Adolf IV (born before 1205, died July 8, 1261) was an important count from the House of Schaumburg. He ruled as the Count of Schauenburg from 1225 to 1238. He was also the Count of Holstein from 1227 to 1238. Adolf was the oldest son of Adolf III and his wife, Adelheid of Querfurt.
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Adolf IV's Life and Rule
Adolf IV was known for his victories against the Danes. In 1225, he won the Battle of Mölln. This was an important win against Albert II, Count of Weimar-Orlamünde.
The Battle of Bornhöved
A major victory for Adolf IV happened on July 22, 1227. He led his army in the Battle of Bornhöved. They fought against King Valdemar II of Denmark and his Danish and German allies. Adolf's victory helped him get Holstein back.
Founding Cities and Crusades
Adolf IV also founded new cities. In 1235, he founded Kiel. Three years later, in 1238, he founded Itzehoe. In the same year, 1238, he joined a religious war, known as a crusade, in Livonia.
Life as a Friar
After the Battle of Bornhöved, Adolf IV made a promise. To keep his promise, he decided to leave his life as a count. In 1238, he joined a Franciscan friary. A friary is a place where religious men live and work. In 1244, he became a priest in Rome. His two young sons were then cared for by his son-in-law, Duke Abel of Schleswig.
Also in 1244, Adolf founded Neustadt in Holstein. He passed away in 1261 at the Franciscan friary in Kiel. He had founded this friary himself. After his death, Holstein was divided between his sons, John (who became Count of Holstein-Kiel) and Gerhard (who became Count of Holstein-Itzehoe).
Adolf IV's Family
Adolf IV married Heilwig of Lippe. She was the daughter of Herman II, Lord of Lippe. Together, they had several children:
- Mechthild (1225–1288): She first married Abel of Denmark in 1237. He was a duke and later became the King of Denmark. This marriage was important because it later gave Adolf's family a reason to claim the Duchy of Schleswig. Mechthild later married Birger Jarl, who was a ruler in Sweden.
- John I, Count of Holstein-Kiel (1229–1263)
- Gerhard I, Count of Holstein-Itzehoe (1232–1290)
- Ludolf: He died when he was a child.
