Bernard II, Duke of Saxony facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bernard II
Duke of Saxony
Reign	1011–1059
Predecessor	Bernard I
Successor	Ordulf
Born	c. 995
Died	(1059-06-29)29 June 1059
Spouse	Eilika of Schweinfurt
House	House of Billung
Father	Bernard I, Duke of Saxony
Mother	Hildegard

Bernard II (born around 995 – died June 29, 1059) was a very important ruler in a region called Saxony. He was the Duke of Saxony from 1011 to 1059. Bernard was part of the Billung family, and he was the son of Duke Bernard I and Hildegard. Besides being the Duke of Saxony, he also had power as a count in Frisia.

Bernard II made the duke's role in Saxony much stronger. Many people thought he was the most successful ruler from the Billung family.

Bernard II: A Powerful Duke

Bernard II first supported Holy Roman Emperor Henry II. He even went with the Emperor to Poland to help make a peace treaty called the Peace of Bautzen in 1018.

Standing Up for Saxony

However, in 1019–1020, Bernard II stood up to Emperor Henry II. He wanted the special laws and traditions of Saxony to be officially recognized. His father had tried to do this but didn't succeed. Bernard II managed to get these important rights for Saxony.

After this, he went to war with two Slavic tribes, the Obodrites and Lutici. He was able to bring them under his influence, partly through their leader, Gottschalk.

Working with Emperors

Bernard II also supported Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II in 1024. Later, he supported Conrad's son, Henry III. But Bernard became worried about Henry III because the Emperor was very close to Archbishop Adalbert of Bremen. Bernard saw Adalbert as an enemy to the dukes of Saxony.

Bernard was a key friend to the Danes, who helped Emperor Henry III in his wars. Even though there was tension, Bernard's rule became peaceful after Archbishop Adalbert died.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1045, Bernard II built a castle called the Alsterburg in Hamburg. He passed away in 1059. His son, Ordulf, took over as duke without any problems. Bernard II was buried in the Church of Saint Michael in Lüneburg.

Family Life

Bernard II, Duke of Saxony, married Eilika of Schweinfurt. She was the daughter of Henry of Schweinfurt. Bernard and Eilika had several children:

• Gertrude of Saxony (born around 1030 – died August 4, 1113). She married twice, first to Floris I, Count of Holland, and then to Robert I, Count of Flanders.
• Ordulf, Duke of Saxony (born around 1020 – died March 28, 1072). He became the next Duke of Saxony. Ordulf married Ulfhilde or Wulfhilde of Norway, who was the daughter of King Olaf II (also known as St. Olaf) of Norway.
• Hermann
• Ida of Saxony, who married Albert III, Count of Namur.

Sources