Berthold, Duke of Bavaria facts for kids

Berthold, Duke of Bavaria

Berthold was an important ruler in the early Middle Ages. He was born around the year 900 and passed away on November 23, 947. Berthold belonged to the Luitpolding family, a powerful noble group. He was the younger son of a leader named Luitpold of Bavaria. His mother, Cunigunda, was the sister of another duke, Erchanger of Swabia. Berthold became the Duke of Bavaria in 938, taking over from his nephew, Eberhard.

Becoming a Powerful Leader

Berthold started his career as a count in a region called the March of Carinthia around 926. At that time, his older brother, Arnulf the Bad, was the Duke of Bavaria. In 927, the German King Henry the Fowler gave Berthold special rights to rule in Carinthia.

How Berthold Became Duke

In 938, Arnulf's son, Eberhard, became Duke of Bavaria. Eberhard wanted Bavaria to remain very independent. However, King Otto I the Great did not agree with this. King Otto removed Eberhard from power and sent him away. Otto then chose Berthold to become the new Duke of Bavaria.

Berthold's Time as Duke

Unlike his powerful brother Arnulf, Berthold had less control over some things. For example, he could not choose bishops or manage royal lands. Despite this, Berthold stayed very loyal to the Ottonian dynasty, which was King Otto's family. He remained loyal throughout his entire time as duke.

Marriage and Family Plans

Berthold had plans to marry one of King Otto's sisters. First, he thought about marrying Gerberga, who was a widow. Later, he considered marrying Hedwige, another sister of the king. However, neither of these marriages happened. Instead, around 939, Berthold married a Bavarian noblewoman named Biltrude.

Protecting Bavaria from Attacks

One of Berthold's major achievements was protecting his people. In 943, he led his army to victory against the Magyars at the battle of Wels. This important battle took place on August 12. His victory helped stop their attacks for a while, just as his brother Arnulf had done before him.

After Berthold's Rule

When Berthold became duke, the regions of Bavaria and Carinthia were joined together again. After Berthold died in 947, King Otto I the Great made another important decision. He did not give the Duchy of Bavaria to Berthold's young son, Henry the Younger.

Instead, King Otto gave the duchy to his own brother, Henry I. Henry I had married Arnulf's daughter, Judith. Later, in 976, Berthold's son, Henry the Younger, received the separate Duchy of Carinthia as a way to make up for not getting Bavaria.

Duke Berthold was laid to rest at Niederaltaich Abbey.

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See also

In Spanish: Bertoldo de Baviera para niños