Elisabeth of Bavaria, Queen of Germany facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elisabeth of Bavaria
Seal of Elisabeth of Bavaria.
Queen consort of Germany and Jerusalem
Tenure	1 September 1246 – 21 May 1254
Queen consort of Sicily
Tenure	13 December 1250 – 21 May 1254
Born	c. 1227 Trausnitz Castle, Landshut, Bavaria
Died	9 October 1273 (aged 45–46) Goyen Castle, Schenna, Tyrol
Burial	Stams Abbey
Spouse	Conrad IV, King of Germany Meinhard, Duke of Carinthia
Issue	Conradin, King of Sicily Elizabeth, Queen of Germany Otto III, Duke of Carinthia Henry, King of Bohemia
House	House of Wittelsbach
Father	Otto II, Duke of Bavaria
Mother	Agnes of the Palatinate

Elisabeth of Bavaria (around 1227, Trausnitz Castle, Landshut, Bavaria – 9 October 1273, Goyen Castle, Schenna, Tyrol) was an important queen in the 13th century. She was a member of the House of Wittelsbach, a powerful family. Elisabeth became Queen of Germany and Jerusalem from 1246 to 1254. This happened when she married King Conrad IV of Germany.

Early Life and First Marriage

Elisabeth was born at Trausnitz Castle in Landshut. She was the oldest daughter of Duke Otto II of Bavaria. Her mother was Agnes of the Palatinate. Agnes came from the House of Welf, another important family.

Elisabeth's father, Otto II, became Duke of Bavaria in 1231. He was involved in a big conflict between the Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II and the Pope. Otto II first supported the Pope. But in 1241, he changed sides and became a supporter of Emperor Frederick.

This new political friendship led to Elisabeth's marriage. She was engaged to Conrad IV, Emperor Frederick's oldest son. Their wedding took place on 1 September 1246. It was likely held in Vohburg, Bavaria. The Pope's representative strongly disagreed with this marriage.

Life as Queen

Conrad IV had inherited the title of King of Jerusalem from his mother. He was also made Duke of Swabia in 1235. In 1237, he was chosen as King of the Romans. This meant he would rule Germany for his father.

When Emperor Frederick II died in 1250, Conrad IV also became King of Sicily. He was still fighting a war against the Pope. In 1251, Conrad IV left for Sicily to continue the war. He left Elisabeth behind.

Elisabeth gave birth to their only child, Conradin, in March 1252. Sadly, Conrad IV died in May 1254 from malaria. He passed away at his army camp in Lavello. He never had the chance to meet his son, Conradin.

Protecting Her Son's Rights

After Emperor Frederick II died, there was a time called the interregnum. This was a period when there was no clear emperor. Elisabeth worked hard to protect the rights of her young son, Conradin. Her brothers, Henry XIII and Louis II, helped her.

In 1256, Elisabeth faced a difficult time. After this, she sent Conradin to the Bishop of Constance for his care and education. She later agreed to let Conradin's uncle, Manfred, rule Sicily for her son. Manfred was an illegitimate son of Emperor Frederick. However, Elisabeth could not stop Richard of Cornwall from being elected King of the Romans in 1256.

Second Marriage and Later Life

Elisabeth remained a widow for five years. On 6 October 1259, she married her second husband. He was Count Meinhard II of Gorizia–Tyrol. They married in Munich. Meinhard later became Duke of Carinthia in 1286.

Meinhard was about ten years younger than Elisabeth. His lands in Tyrol were very important. They included mountain passes that connected to Italy. Elisabeth and Meinhard had six children who survived.

Elisabeth's relationship with her first son, Conradin, was not very close. In 1266, Charles of Anjou defeated Manfred of Sicily. Elisabeth's brother Louis and her husband Meinhard encouraged Conradin to go on a military campaign.

In August 1267, Elisabeth and Conradin met for the last time. This was at Hohenschwangau Castle. Conradin then left for Italy with his uncle and stepfather. However, his stepfather left him in Verona. When Elisabeth heard about Conradin's defeat and execution in 1268, she was heartbroken. She had the Santa Maria del Carmine Church built in Naples to remember him.

In 1272, Elisabeth and her husband Meinhard founded the Cistercian abbey of Stams in Tyrol. Elisabeth is buried there.

Children and Family

Elisabeth had one child with her first husband, Conrad IV:

• Conradin (born 1252 – died 1268)

Elisabeth and her second husband, Meinhard, had six children:

• Elisabeth of Gorizia-Tyrol (1262–1312), who became queen consort of the Romans in 1298. She married Albert I, Duke of Austria.
• Otto III of Carinthia (died 1310). He was the father of Elisabeth of Carinthia (1298–1352), who became queen-consort of Sicily.
• Albert II (died 1292).
• Louis (died 1305).
• Henry I (around 1270–1335). He was King of Bohemia and Duke of Carinthia.
• Agnes of Carinthia (died 1293). She married Frederick I, Margrave of Meissen.

See also

In Spanish: Isabel de Baviera (1227-1273) para niños