Bernard I, Duke of Saxony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bernard I |
|
|---|---|
| Duke of Saxony | |
 |
|
| Duke of Saxony | |
| Reign | 973–1011 |
| Predecessor | Herman |
| Successor | Bernard II |
| Born | c. 950 |
| Died | 9 February 1011 Corvey |
| Burial | Church of Saint Michael in Lüneburg |
| Spouse | Hildegard of Stade |
| House | House of Billung |
| Father | Hermann Billung |
| Mother | Oda |
Bernard I (born around 950 – died February 9, 1011) was an important leader in a land called Saxony. He was the Duke of Saxony from 973 to 1011. A duke was like a powerful ruler in those times. Bernard was the second duke from his family, known as the Billung dynasty. He was the son of Duke Herman and Oda. Bernard worked hard to make his family's power much stronger than it was before.
Protecting Saxony: Bernard's Battles
Bernard had to protect his land from invaders. He fought against the Danes three times: in 974, 983, and 994. These were important battles to keep Saxony safe from attacks.
Supporting the King and Gaining Power
Bernard also played a big role in the politics of his time. He strongly supported a young leader named Otto III to become the new king. This was important because another powerful person, Henry the Wrangler, also wanted to be king.
In 986, Bernard was given a special job called "marshal." This was a high-ranking position. Later, in 991 and 995, he joined the young King Otto III on military trips against the Slavs. The Slavs were another group of people living nearby.
Bernard made his own power much greater. His father had mostly represented the king to the people of Saxony. But Bernard became the person who represented the people of Saxony to the king. This showed how much influence he had gained. Bernard died in 1011 and was buried in the Church of Saint Michael in Lüneburg.
Bernard's Family Life
In 990, Bernard married a woman named Hildegard. She passed away in 1011, the same year as Bernard. Hildegard was the daughter of Henry I the Bald, who was a count from Stade.
Bernard and Hildegard had several children:
- Herman, who sadly died when he was young.
- Bernard II, who became the next Duke of Saxony after his father.
- Thietmar, who was a count. He died in a duel in 1048.
- Gedesdiu (also known as Gedesti), who became an abbess (a leader of a group of nuns). She led convents in Metelen and Herford.
They also likely had two other daughters:
- Matilda, who became a nun.
- Othelindis, who married Dirk III of Holland.
