Caupo of Turaida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Caupo of Turaida |
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| Leader of Livonia | |
Monument to Caupo at Krimulda Castle
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| Reign | Until 21 September 1217 |
| Born | 12th century |
| Died | 21 September 1217 Near Viljandi |
| House | Lieven |
Caupo of Turaida, also known as Kaupo, was an important leader of the Livonian people. He lived in the early 1200s in what is now Latvia and Estonia, near the Gulf of Riga. Some people called him a 'King of Livonia'. An old book, the Chronicle of Henry of Livonia, even said he was 'like a king'.
Contents
Caupo's Life and Faith
Caupo was one of the first important Livonian leaders to become a Christian. He was likely baptized around 1191 by a preacher named Theoderic of Turaida. Theoderic later became an abbot, which is a leader of a monastery.
Journey to Rome
Caupo became a strong Christian. He also became friends with Albert of Buxhoeveden, who was the Bishop of Riga. In 1203–1204, Bishop Albert took Caupo on a long trip to Rome. There, Caupo met Pope Innocent III, the leader of the Catholic Church.
The Pope was very impressed by Caupo. He had been a pagan chief before becoming Christian. The Pope gave Caupo a Bible and a hundred gold coins. He also gave him the special name "Lieven."
Return Home and Challenges
When Caupo came back from Rome, his own tribe rebelled against him. In 1212, Caupo helped in a fight to take back his old fort in Turaida. This fort was made of wood. Two years later, it was rebuilt using strong brick and stone. This new fort looks much like the one you can see today.
Fighting and Legacy
Caupo joined in a crusader attack against the Estonians, who were still pagan. He died in the Battle of St. Matthew's Day in 1217. He was fighting against the troops led by an Estonian leader named Lembitu of Lehola.
Family and Descendants
Caupo had sons, but one of them, Bertold, was killed in 1210 during the Battle of Ümera. Caupo also had a grandson named Nicholas. Nicholas was the first family member who often used the name Lieven.
Different Views of Caupo
Today, people in Estonia, Latvia, and among the Livonians have different ideas about Caupo. Some people, especially those who are strong nationalists, see him as a bad person. They believe he was a traitor to his own people.
However, some historians disagree. They say it's not fair to judge a medieval leader using modern ideas. Some old Latvian folk tales even call him "Kaupo the accursed." They say he "sold his soul to the foreign bishops."
See also
