Conrad, Duke of Thuringia facts for kids

Conrad, often called Conrad the Old or Conrad the Elder, was an important leader in what is now Germany. He lived a long time ago, in the 800s and early 900s. He was a powerful count who brought many areas under his control. His family, known as the Conradines, became very influential.

Who Was Conrad the Old?

Conrad was born into a very important family. His father was Udo of Neustria. Conrad himself became the leader of his family, the Conradines. He was known for being a strong leader and a skilled politician.

Conrad's Territories and Titles

Conrad held many important titles. He was a count in several regions, which meant he was in charge of those areas. These included places like Oberlahngau, Hessengau, and Wormsgau. He worked to bring all of Hesse under his rule. Later, this area became part of a larger region called the Duchy of Franconia, thanks to his family.

Conrad was also a trusted helper, or ministerialis, for Arnulf of Germany, who was a very powerful ruler at the time.

Becoming a Duke

For a short time, Conrad was the Duke of Thuringia, a large and important territory. This happened around 892. Before him, another duke named Poppo was in charge, but he was removed. Conrad took his place. However, Conrad's time as duke was brief, and he was soon replaced by Burchard. Historians believe this change showed how rulers like Arnulf would sometimes shift their support between powerful families.

Family Life

Around the year 880, Conrad married a woman named Glismod. She might have been related to other important families, which could have helped Conrad's claim to power in Thuringia.

Conrad and Glismod had four children:

• Conrad the Younger: He later became the King of Germany.
• Eberhard: He became the Duke of Franconia.
• Otto (also called Udo or Odo): He was a count in the Ruhrgau.
• A daughter whose name is not known.

Rivalries and Death

Conrad had some disagreements with another powerful family called the Babenbergs. These rivalries were common among noble families during that time.

Sadly, Conrad was killed in a battle in 906, near a place called Fritzlar. This happened because of the ongoing feud with the Babenbergs. He was buried in a church in Weilburg. His oldest son, Conrad the Younger, was old enough to fight in this conflict too. Conrad's wife, Glismod, passed away later, in 924, and was buried next to him.