Berthold V, Duke of Zähringen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Berthold V |
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Equestrian seal of Berthold V, dated 1187.
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| Duke of Zähringen | |
| Reign | 1186 – 18 February 1218 |
| Predecessor | Berthold IV |
| Successor | Lands divided between Kyburg and Urach; Bern became a free imperial city. |
| Born | 1160 |
| Died | 18 February 1218 (aged 57–58) Freiburg im Breisgau |
| Burial | Freiburg Minster, Freiburg im Breisgau |
| Issue | Died without issue |
| House | House of Zähringen |
| Father | Berthold IV |
| Mother | Heilwig of Frohburg |
Berthold V (born 1160, died February 18, 1218) was an important ruler known as the Duke of Zähringen. He became duke in 1186 after his father, Berthold IV, passed away. Berthold V is famous for founding the city of Bern and for his efforts to expand his family's power.
Who Was Berthold V?
Berthold V, also called Bertold V or Berchtold V, was the last duke from the House of Zähringen. He was born in 1160 and died in Freiburg im Breisgau in 1218. His mother was Heilwig of Frohburg.
Expanding His Lands
When Berthold became duke, he worked to make his family's rule stronger. He reduced the power of other nobles in the Burgundy area. He also helped people settle in new areas like the Bernese Oberland and near Lucerne.
Berthold made the city of Thun bigger. In 1191, he founded the city of Bern, which became a very important place for his plans to expand. However, he faced a challenge in 1211 at the Battle of Ulrichen. He tried to gain control of the Valais region but was not successful. A treaty signed after the battle meant he had to accept the Savoy family's rule over the upper Valais.
A Chance to Be Emperor
In 1198, the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI died. This meant a new emperor needed to be chosen. Berthold V was one of the candidates who wanted to become the next emperor.
To get support, he even offered his nephews as hostages to powerful archbishops. However, he soon learned that most people had chosen Philip of Swabia from the House of Hohenstaufen family. Philip was competing with Otto IV from the House of Welf family.
Berthold decided to give up his claim to be emperor. In return, he received land in what is now southern Germany and northern Switzerland. This helped his family, the Zähringer, control areas like the Ortenau, the Breisgau, Schaffhausen, and Breisach. Philip also paid Berthold 3,000 silver Marks for stepping aside.
In the same year, Berthold also stopped a rebellion by nobles in Burgundy. This event is even recorded on a gate in Freiburg.
Building and Lasting Impact
In 1200, Berthold started rebuilding the main church in Freiburg. It was first built in the Romanesque style. Later, around 1240, it was continued in the Gothic style. This church, known as Freiburg Minster, is admired for its tall steeple.
Berthold married a woman named Clementia. Sadly, their son, also named Berthold, died in 1216, before his father. Because Berthold V had no living sons when he died in 1218, the Zähringer family line ended.
After his death, the Zähringer lands were divided. Some parts went back to the emperor. Other parts became independent cities, like Bern. The remaining lands were split among other noble families, including the Urach, Kyburg, and Fürstenberg families.
