Conrad, Count Palatine of the Rhine facts for kids

Conrad of Hohenstaufen (born around 1135 – died November 8, 1195) was an important prince in medieval Germany. He was the very first hereditary Count Palatine of the Rhine. This meant his title and lands could be passed down in his family.

Conrad's father was Frederick II of Swabia, a powerful Duke. His mother was Agnes of Saarbrücken. Conrad was the half-brother of the famous Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Because of his family connections, Conrad received many lands and properties. These were mainly in the areas of Franconia and Rhineland. Many of these lands came from his mother's side of the family.

Conrad of Hohenstaufen: A Powerful Prince

Becoming a Count Palatine

In 1156, a big meeting called the Reichstag happened in Worms. During this meeting, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa gave his half-brother Conrad a special title. This title was Pfalzgraf or Count Palatine of the Rhine. This made Conrad a very important ruler in the Holy Roman Empire.

Conrad also gained control over several important places. These included Schönau Abbey and the church leaders in Worms Cathedral. He also got family lands in the Speyer and Worms regions.

Marriages and Influence

Around 1160, Conrad married his second wife, Irmengard of Henneberg. She was the daughter of Count Bertold I of Henneberg. This marriage brought Conrad even more land and power. He gained control over Lorsch Abbey.

Conrad worked hard to make his area of influence bigger. This sometimes led to disagreements. He had conflicts with the Bishops of Trier and Cologne. These were powerful church leaders in his region.

His Family and Legacy

Conrad and both his wives were buried at Schönau Abbey near Heidelberg. Sadly, Conrad's two sons did not live long enough to take over his titles. Because of this, his lands and titles passed to his daughter, Agnes.

Agnes married Henry V, who belonged to the House of Brunswick. Later, their family's inheritance would pass to the Wittelsbach dynasty. This family then became the well-known rulers of the Electoral Palatinate.

Conrad's Family Life

Conrad was married twice. His first wife's name is not known. She was the daughter of Count Gottfried I of Sponheim. She likely passed away around 1159 or 1160. She was buried in Schönau Abbey.

Conrad and his first wife had one son:

• Gottfried of Staufen (who probably died in 1187 or 1188).

Conrad's second wife was Irmengard of Henneberg. They had three children together:

• Frederick (who died before 1189).
• Conrad (who probably died in 1186), also buried in Schönau Abbey.
• Agnes (died May 9, 1204). She was buried in St. Marien in Stade. Agnes married Henry V, Duke of Brunswick in late 1193. Henry V became the Count Palatine of the Rhine after Conrad, from 1195 to 1212.