Burchard III, Duke of Swabia facts for kids
Burchard III (born around 915 – died November 12, 973) was an important duke in a region called Swabia. He was part of a powerful family known as the Hunfridings. Before becoming a duke, he was a count in areas like Thurgau and Zürichgau. He ruled as the Duke of Swabia from 954 until his death.
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Early Life and Becoming Duke
Burchard was the son of Burchard II, Duke of Swabia and Regilinda. When his father died in 926, Burchard was still young. For his safety, he was sent to Saxony. This happened after Herman I became the new duke.
Later, in 954, there was a rebellion led by Duke Liudolf. After this, Otto I, who was the king, made Burchard the new Duke of Swabia. This decision was made at a big meeting in Arnstadt.
Close to the King and Important Battles
Burchard was a close friend of King Otto I and his queen, Adelaide of Italy. He often visited the royal court.
He joined King Otto on a military trip against the Magyars. Burchard was there at the famous Battle of the Lechfeld on August 10, 955. This was a very important battle.
In 965, Burchard led another military trip to Italy. He fought against Berengar II and his son, Adalbert. At the Battle of the Po on June 25, Burchard's forces won. This helped King Otto control Italy again. Even the southern parts of Italy came under his rule by 972.
Family Life and Legacy
Burchard died in 973. He was buried in a chapel on Reichenau Island in Lake Constance. After his death, Otto, who was Liudolf's son, became the next Duke of Swabia.
Burchard married twice. His first wife was from the Immedinger family in Saxony. They had two sons:
- Theodoric, who was a count.
- Burchard, who was also a count.
His second wife was Hedwig. She was the daughter of Henry I, Duke of Bavaria. Burchard built a large fortress called Hohentwiel. Hedwig started a monastery there, named St. George. Burchard and Hedwig did not have any children together.
Images for kids
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Burchard and his second wife Hedwig
