Conrad, Duke of Lorraine facts for kids

Conrad the Red (born around 922, died August 10, 955) was an important duke in a region called Lorraine from 944 to 953. He is known as the founder of the powerful Salian dynasty, a family that later produced several Holy Roman Emperors.

Conrad's Early Life and Family

Conrad was the son of Werner V, a count from a region called Franconia. His family controlled lands near the Rhine River, including Speyer and Worms. His mother was likely Hicha, whose father was Duke Burchard II of Swabia.

In 941, Conrad took over his father's lands. He also gained more territory to the east of the Rhine. Conrad made the city of Worms his home. He became a strong leader in Franconia, a region in what is now Germany.

Becoming Duke of Lorraine

Conrad was a loyal supporter of King Otto I of Germany. Otto I later became known as Otto the Great. Conrad helped Otto in many ways. For example, he helped Otto gain control of Lorraine from the West Frankish king.

Because of his loyalty, King Otto made Conrad the Duke of Lorraine in 944. This was a very important position. However, the local nobles in Lorraine did not always like Conrad. He often needed the king's help to keep control.

Around 947, Conrad married Liutgarde. She was King Otto's daughter. This marriage made Conrad even more connected to the royal family. Conrad and Liutgarde had one son, Otto of Worms, who was born in 948. Otto later became the Duke of Carinthia.

This map shows Rhenish Franconia around the year 1000, where Conrad's family had their lands.

Rebellion and Loss of Title

In 951, Conrad joined King Otto on a trip to Italy. Conrad helped Otto make a deal with King Berengar II of Italy. However, King Otto later gave some Italian lands to his own brother, Henry. Conrad felt tricked by this.

Because of this, in 953, Conrad joined a rebellion against King Otto. He teamed up with Otto's brother-in-law, Duke Liudolf of Swabia. King Otto was very upset about Conrad's disloyalty.

The rebellion spread widely, but it eventually failed. This was partly because the rebels started working with Hungarian forces, who were seen as enemies. As a result, Conrad and Liudolf lost their titles as dukes. King Otto gave Lorraine to his own brother, Bruno. Conrad was immediately forced out of Lorraine by the local nobles.

Conrad eventually made peace with King Otto. He kept his own lands, but he never got his ducal title back. In 954, he helped in a successful military campaign against some Slavic tribes.

Death at the Battle of Lechfeld

Conrad the Red died on August 10, 955, during the famous Battle of Lechfeld. He was fighting alongside King Otto against invading Hungarian forces. Conrad was leading the Franconian soldiers.

According to historical accounts, Conrad was a brave fighter. It was a very hot day, and he loosened his armor to get some air. At that moment, an arrow hit him in the throat, and he died instantly.

Entry to the Salian Crypt in Worms Cathedral, where Conrad the Red was buried.

Conrad's body was taken to Worms Cathedral. He was given a special funeral and buried there by his son, Otto. This kind of burial was usually only for bishops and kings at that time. Conrad the Red was the great-grandfather of Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor, who later became a Holy Roman Emperor.

See also

In Spanish: Conrado el Rojo para niños