Eckard II, Margrave of Meissen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eckard II
Margrave of Meissen
Donor portraits of Eckard and his wife Uta, Naumburg Cathedral
Born	c. 985
Died	(1046-01-24)24 January 1046
Noble family	Ekkeharding dynasty
Spouse(s)	Uta von Ballenstedt
Father	Eckard I, Margrave of Meissen
Mother	Suanhild of Billung

Eckard II (also known as Ekkehard) was an important leader in the Middle Ages. He was born around the year 985. Eckard became the Margrave (a type of ruler) of Lusatia in 1034. Later, in 1038, he also became the Margrave of Meissen.

Eckard II was the last ruler from his family line, the Ekkeharding dynasty. He died on January 24, 1046. His family had been powerful margraves since his father, Eckard I, who died in 1002.

Who Was Eckard II?

Eckard II was a significant figure in the history of what is now Germany. He was known for protecting the eastern borders of the Holy Roman Empire. He worked closely with emperors to keep the lands safe.

Early Life and Family

Eckard II was the younger son of Margrave Eckard I of Meissen. His mother was named Swanehilde. Eckard II grew up as a count in a region called Chutizi. He also had control over a fortified town called Teuchern.

When his father was killed in 1002, Eckard II and his older brother, Herman I, took over their family's lands. The title of Margrave of Meissen first went to their uncle, Gunzelin. Gunzelin and his nephews had disagreements until Gunzelin was removed from power in 1009.

During a war between Germany and Poland, the brothers managed to keep control of their lands in Meissen. The fighting ended with a peace treaty in 1018.

Becoming a Powerful Leader

Around 1026, Eckard married Uta von Ballenstedt. She was the sister of a powerful Saxon count named Esico. Eckard and Uta did not have any children.

With the approval of Emperor Conrad II, Eckard and his brother Herman helped move a church center. The Bishopric of Zeitz was moved to Naumburg Cathedral between 1028 and 1029.

In 1034, Eckard II became the Margrave of Lusatia. This happened after his supporters defeated the previous margrave, Theoderic II. Theoderic was married to Eckard's sister, Matilda. Four years later, Eckard took over as Margrave of Meissen after his brother Herman passed away.

Protecting the Borders

Eckard II played a key role in guarding the eastern borders of Germany. He often served Emperor Conrad II and later King Henry III. He helped them fight against threats from Poland and Bohemia.

One of his main opponents was Duke Bretislaus I of Bohemia. In 1039, Bretislaus attacked Poland and took valuable items from cities like Kraków. King Henry III decided to fight back.

Margrave Eckard was one of King Henry's most trusted allies. He joined the king's military trips against Bretislaus. The first trip in 1040 was not successful. However, the second trip in 1041 was a victory. This win forced Duke Bretislaus to make peace.

His Legacy

Eckard remained a close advisor to King Henry III until his death. He died in 1046 during a widespread illness in Saxony.

Eckard was very wealthy. He left all his money, titles, and lands to King Henry. King Henry then gave the margraviate of Meissen to a count named William IV of Weimar.

Eckard and his wife Uta are remembered through their famous portraits. These "donor portraits" were created by a skilled artist known as the Naumburg Master. You can see them in the Naumburg Cathedral.