Egino, Duke of Thuringia facts for kids

Egino (died August 3, 908) was an important leader in a region called East Franconia during the late 800s. He was also known as the Duke of Thuringia. Think of a duke as a powerful ruler of a specific area, similar to a governor or a king of a smaller kingdom.

Egino belonged to a strong and famous family called the Babenbergs. He was the younger brother of Henry of Franconia and Poppo of Thuringia, who were also important figures. Historians believe that all three brothers might have been the sons or grandsons of another notable person named Poppo of Grapfeld.

Who Was Egino?

Egino was a significant figure in the history of what is now parts of Germany. He held titles that gave him power and control over lands and people. Being a "count" meant he was a royal official who managed a specific territory for a king. As "Duke of Thuringia," he was the main leader of that region.

Early Life and Family

Egino was part of the powerful Babenberg family, which played a big role in the politics of their time. His brothers, Henry and Poppo, were also well-known leaders. Families like the Babenbergs often held a lot of influence and power through generations.

Conflicts in Thuringia

Egino had a serious disagreement, or "feud," with his brother Poppo in the region of Thuringia during the years 882 and 883. The exact reasons for their conflict are not known today.

In 882, Egino and his allies, the Saxons, started a war against Poppo and the people of Thuringii. Egino's side won this conflict. The next year, in 883, Egino was recorded as a co-duke of the Thuringii. He again fought against his brother and won a major victory. This defeat forced Poppo to retreat with only a small part of his fighting force left.

What Was the Feud About?

Even though we know Egino and Poppo fought, the specific reasons for their feud are still a mystery to historians. Sometimes, conflicts between powerful families or brothers could be about who controlled more land, who had more influence, or who would inherit certain titles.

Egino's Death

Records about Egino's death are a bit confusing. A historical record from a place called Fulda, which listed deaths, said Egino died in 886. However, other official documents, called "charters," show that he was still alive in 887 and 888.

The Battle with the Magyars

Egino eventually died in a battle against a group of people called the Magyars. This battle happened on August 3, 908. He was killed alongside other important leaders, including Burchard, Duke of Thuringia, and Rudolf I, Bishop of Würzburg. This battle was a significant event, showing the dangers leaders faced during that time from invading forces.