Děpolt II facts for kids

Děpolt II (born in the 1150s – died 21 November 1190), also known as Diepold II, was an important nobleman from Bohemia. He belonged to a branch of the famous Přemyslid dynasty, a powerful family that ruled Bohemia for a long time. Děpolt II is best known for leading the Bohemian soldiers during the Third Crusade, a major religious war in the Middle Ages.

His Early Life and Family

Děpolt II was the only son of Děpold I of Jamnitz. His mother was Gertrude, whose father was Albert the Bear from Brandenburg.

He first became known after his father passed away. Děpolt II had a good relationship with his cousin, Duke Frederick of Bohemia. However, he later had a disagreement with another cousin, Jindřich Břetislav, who was the Bishop of Prague. The bishop placed a serious church punishment, called an interdict, on Děpolt's lands. This meant that some religious services were not allowed in those areas.

Because of this conflict, Děpolt II left Bohemia in 1187. He returned in 1189 when Conrad II, Duke of Bohemia became the new duke.

Leading the Crusade

In 1189, Duke Conrad II chose Děpolt II to lead the Bohemian soldiers on the Third Crusade. This was a huge journey to the Holy Land. The Bohemian troops joined the main crusader army, which was led by the powerful Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. They met up in Esztergom, a city in Hungary.

Some of the Bohemian soldiers had been prisoners who were set free just to join the crusade. Along the way, some of these soldiers caused trouble, and Emperor Frederick Barbarossa had to take strict action against them.

On June 10, 1190, a sad event happened: Emperor Frederick Barbarossa died in the Saleph River. After this, Děpolt II decided to keep fighting in the Holy Land. He continued under the command of Frederick VI, Duke of Swabia.

Děpolt II and his soldiers took part in the long and difficult siege of Acre in the autumn of 1190. This was a major battle to capture the city of Acre.

His Death

Děpolt II died during the siege of Acre on November 21, 1190. He might have died from injuries he received in battle or from a disease like the plague, which was common during sieges. After his death, the remaining Bohemian soldiers likely joined the army of King Richard I of England, who was also a key leader in the Third Crusade.

Family Life

Děpolt II was married to Adéla/Adelajda Zbysława of Silesia. She was the daughter of Bolesław I the Tall.

Together, Děpolt II and Adéla had three sons:

• Děpolt III
• Soběslav I
• Boleslaus