Barnim I, Duke of Pomerania facts for kids

Barnim I the Good (born around 1217/1219 – died November 13, 1278) was an important ruler from the Griffin family. He was a Duke of Pomerania from 1220 until he passed away. He was known for being a good leader and helping his lands grow.

Life of Duke Barnim I

Seal of Barnim I

Barnim I was the son of Duke Bogislaw II and Miroslava of Pomerelia. When his father died in 1220, Barnim became the Duke of Pomerania. However, he was very young, so his mother, Miroslawa, ruled for him until about 1226. This is called a regency.

At first, Pomerania was under the control of Denmark. But after a big battle in 1227 called the Battle of Bornhöved, the lands of Pomerania became part of the Holy Roman Empire.

Challenges and Agreements

In 1231, the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II decided that Pomerania should be under the control of the Ascanian rulers from Brandenburg. This caused a long-lasting conflict between Pomerania and Brandenburg.

Barnim I had to deal with these powerful neighbors. His cousin, Wartislaw III, had already agreed to Brandenburg's rule in 1236. Barnim I made his own agreement with Brandenburg in 1250, called the Treaty of Landin. In this treaty, he accepted Brandenburg's authority. He also had to give up a region called Uckermark. But in return, he made sure that when his cousin Wartislaw died, all of Pomerania would come under his rule.

Uniting and Developing Pomerania

When Duke Wartislaw III died in 1264, Barnim I successfully brought all of Pomerania together under his leadership. He worked hard to develop his duchy.

He encouraged people from Germany to settle in Pomerania. This process is known as Ostsiedlung. These new settlers brought their customs and helped build up the land.

Barnim I was also famous for creating many new towns. Some of these towns include:

• Prenzlau
• Szczecin
• Gartz
• Anklam
• Stargard
• Gryfino
• Police
• Pyrzyce
• Ueckermünde
• Goleniów

He also supported churches and helped the bishops of Cammin expand their influence in the Kołobrzeg area.

Duke Barnim I passed away in the town of Dąbie, which is now part of Szczecin. A famous poet named Meister Rumelant even wrote a sad song in his honor.

Family Life

Barnim I was married three times and had several children.

First Marriage

Between 1238 and 1242, Barnim I married his first wife, Marianna. She passed away in 1252. They had one daughter:

• Anastasia (born 1245 – died 1317), who married Henry I the Pilgrim.

Second Marriage

Between 1253 and 1254, Barnim I married Margareta. She likely belonged to the House of Mecklenburg family. They had one son:

• Bogislaw IV (born before 1258 – died 1309). He ruled alongside his father from 1276 and became the main ruler after his father's death.

Third Marriage

Before 1267, Barnim I married his third wife, Matilda. She was the daughter of Otto III, Margrave of Brandenburg. They had five children:

• Miroslawa (born around 1270 – died between 1327 and 1328)
• Beatrix (died 1315 or 1316)
• Matilda (died young, 1295)
• Barnim II (born 1277 – died 1295)
• Otto I (born after his father's death in 1279 – died 1344)