Bohemond I (archbishop of Trier) facts for kids

Bohemond of Warnesberg (died December 9, 1299) was an important leader in the Catholic Church. He served as the Archbishop of Trier from 1286 until his death. As Archbishop of Trier, he was also known as Bohemond I. He was also a Prince Elector in the Holy Roman Empire. This meant he had a special vote to choose the next king or emperor.

Becoming Archbishop

Bohemond held important church positions in both Trier and Metz. He was chosen to become the Archbishop of Trier after the previous archbishop, Henry of Finstingen, left the role.

It took some time for Bohemond to officially become archbishop. He was chosen by Pope Nicholas IV. But he didn't get his final approval in Rome until March 6, 1289. This was three years after he was first picked. During this time, two other people who wanted the job had died. A third person, Gerard II of Eppstein, became archbishop in Mainz instead.

A Leader's Challenges

Bohemond was a very educated man. He was also a knight. He cared deeply about the spiritual well-being of his people. He also looked after their everyday lives. Other important leaders, called princes, respected him a lot.

However, he faced some challenges within his own church group. Some members of his cathedral chapter disagreed with him. For example, when the Pope appointed two new church officials, Bohemond didn't want them. He said they were not from the local area. Even when the Pope issued a special order, Bohemond did not change his mind.

Bohemond and the Kings

Bohemond played a big role in the politics of his time. He helped choose kings in the Holy Roman Empire.

Supporting Different Kings

King Rudolf I of Germany wanted his son, Albert, to be crowned king while Rudolf was still alive. This would make sure Albert would become the next ruler. Bohemond was happy to crown Albert.

But when King Rudolf died in 1291, things changed. Two other powerful archbishops, Siegfried of Cologne and Gerard of Mainz, convinced Bohemond to change his vote. They made him vote for Adolf of Nassau to become king instead.

A Smart Diplomat

After Adolf was crowned, Bohemond stayed loyal to him. He even helped Adolf by negotiating for him in Flanders. This was a region where the English and French were having disagreements.

Bohemond even prepared an army to fight against Albert, who was now trying to become king. But then he heard that King Adolf had died in a battle called the Battle of Göllheim. After this news, Bohemond decided to support Albert instead.

Albert, along with King Philip IV of France and King Edward I of England, gave Bohemond valuable gifts. The most important gift was the castle of Cochem. King Adolf had previously used this castle as a promise for money. Albert gave it to Bohemond to be a permanent possession of the church in Trier.

His Final Years

Bohemond died in Trier on December 9, 1299. He was buried in the monastery of Himmerode. He loved this monastery very much.