Dietrich II, Margrave of Lower Lusatia facts for kids

Dietrich II (born around 970 – died November 19, 1034) was an important leader known as the Margrave of Lusatia. He held this title from 1032 to 1034. He was also the very first margrave from the famous House of Wettin family.

Who Was Dietrich II?

Dietrich was the only son of Count Dedo I, Count of Wettin. His mother was Thietburga, whose father was Count Dietrich of Haldensleben. This means Dietrich II was the grandson of Theodoric I, who was the first important person in the Wettin family.

Becoming a Count

In the year 1009, something sad happened. Dietrich's father, Dedo I, was killed in a fight. After this, King Henry II of Germany gave Dietrich the title of Count of Wettin. This happened in a place called Pöhlde.

A few years later, starting in 1015, Dietrich also became a count in a nearby area called Schwabengau. In 1017, his uncle Frederick I passed away without any sons. Because of this, Dietrich inherited more lands, including Eilenburg and Brehna.

Helping with Peace

In 1018, Dietrich II played a part in an important event. He and his brother-in-law, Margrave Herman I of Meissen, were witnesses to the Peace of Bautzen. This was a peace agreement signed between Emperor Henry II and the Polish ruler Bolesław I the Brave. This treaty helped end a long war between Germany and Poland.

Becoming Margrave of Lusatia

Later, in 1029, Emperor Conrad II started another war against Poland. The Polish ruler, Mieszko II, who was Bolesław's son, lost control of Lusatia. In 1033, Mieszko II had to give up his claims to these lands in a treaty.

Dietrich was very important in the Emperor's war efforts. Because of his help, he became the Margrave of Lusatia in 1032. He took over from the previous margrave, Odo II.

Sadly, Dietrich's time as margrave was short. He was killed by people working for his brother-in-law, Eckard II of Meissen. After Dietrich's death, Eckard became the new margrave of Lusatia.

Dietrich's Family and Legacy

After Dietrich II died, his lands were divided among his sons. His oldest son, Dedi, became the Count of Eilenburg. Dedi later also became the Margrave of Lusatia when Eckard II died in 1046.

Dietrich's Children

Dietrich married a woman named Mathilda. She was the daughter of Margrave Eckard I of Meissen. Dietrich and Mathilda had seven children:

• Dedi (born around 1004 – died 1075): He was the oldest son and later became Margrave of Lusatia.
• Frederick (born around 1020 – died 1084): He was chosen to be the Bishop of Münster in 1063.
• Thimo (born around 1034 – died around 1101): He became the Count of Wettin.
• Gero (born around 1020 – died 1089): He was the Count of Brehna.
• Konrad (died 1040): He was the Count of Camburg.
• Rikdag
• Ida (also called Hidda): She married Duke Spytihněv II of Bohemia.