Berthold IV, Duke of Zähringen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Berthold IV
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| Duke of Zähringen | |
Berthold IV, relief by Franz Xaver Hauser in the choir of Freiburg Minster (1793/5)
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| Born | c. 1125 |
| Died | 8 December 1186 |
| Noble family | Zähringen |
| Spouse(s) | Heilwig of Frohburg Ida, Countess of Boulogne |
| Issue | Berthold V |
| Father | Conrad I, Duke of Zähringen |
| Mother | Clementia of Luxembourg-Namur |
Berthold IV (born around 1125, died December 8, 1186) was an important leader known as the Duke of Zähringen. He also held a special title, Rector of Burgundy. Berthold was the son of Conrad I, Duke of Zähringen and Clementia of Luxembourg-Namur. He is famous for starting many new cities, including Fribourg in Switzerland.
Who Was Berthold IV?
Berthold IV became the Duke of Zähringen in 1152. He took over this important role from his father, Conrad I. A duke was a powerful ruler in charge of a large area of land.
Berthold and Burgundy
Berthold wanted to be the "Duke of Burgundy." He had an agreement with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa to help him conquer parts of Burgundy. This was a region that included parts of modern-day France and Switzerland.
However, their plan to conquer Burgundy did not fully work out. In 1156, Emperor Barbarossa married Beatrice. She was the daughter of the last Count of Burgundy. This marriage changed things for Berthold's claims.
Instead of becoming "Duke of Burgundy," Berthold was given the title of Rector of Burgundy. This meant he was in charge of the Swiss parts of Burgundy. These areas included important cities like Geneva, Lausanne, and Sion.
Conflicts and Control
Berthold had a rivalry with Duke Frederick IV of Swabia. This led him to join a conflict called the Feud of Tübingen between 1164 and 1166. He fought alongside Welf VI in this dispute.
In 1173, Berthold's power grew even more. He became the overlord of Zurich, another important city in what is now Switzerland. This showed how much influence he had in the region.
Berthold's Family
Berthold IV was married to a woman named Heilwig of Frohburg. They had three children together.
- Berthold V: He was the last Duke of Zähringen. After he passed away, the lands and titles of the Zähringen family were inherited by the counts of Kyburg and Urach.
- Agnes: She married Count Egino IV of Urach.
- Anna: She married Count Ulrich III of Kyburg. Their grandchildren included King Rudolf I of Germany, a very important ruler.
