Ernest, Margrave of Austria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest
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| Margrave of Austria | |
Ernest the Brave at the Battle of Langensalza, Babenberger Stammbaum, Klosterneuburg Monastery, 1489–1492
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| Margravate | 1055–1075 |
| Predecessor | Adalbert |
| Successor | Leopold II |
| Born | 1027 |
| Died | 10 June 1075 |
| Noble family | Babenberg |
| Spouse | Adelaide of Eilenburg Swanhilde of Ungarnmark |
| Issue Detail |
Leopold II |
| Father | Adalbert |
| Mother | Frozza Orseolo |
Ernest (German: Ernst, 1027 – 10 June 1075) was an important ruler known as Ernest the Brave (Ernst der Tapfere). He was the Margrave of Austria from 1055 until he died in 1075. A margrave was a powerful noble who ruled a special border area called a margraviate. Ernest was a member of the House of Babenberg, a very old and important family.
About Ernest's Life
Ernest was born in 1027. His father was Margrave Adalbert of Austria. His mother was Frozza Orseolo, whose father was a leader (Doge) from Venice.
Ernest worked hard to make his territory bigger. He joined the border areas near Bohemia and Hungary to his own land. These new areas reached the Thaya, March, and Leitha rivers. Today, this land is part of Lower Austria.
During his time, people started settling in the remote Waldviertel region. This was done with the help of his special knights, called ministeriales. These knights, like the Kuenrings, helped to develop the land.
Ernest earned his nickname, "the Brave," because he was a strong fighter. He fought against King Béla I of Hungary and his son Géza I. He did this to support their rival, Solomon. This story comes from a writer named Lambert of Hersfeld.
Later, Ernest took part in a big conflict called the Investiture Controversy. This was a disagreement between the King and the Pope. It was about who had the right to choose important church leaders. Ernest supported King Henry IV of Germany. He fought against the Saxons, who were rebelling against the King. Ernest died in 1075 during the Battle of Langensalza.
Family and Children
In 1050, Ernest married Adelaide of Eilenburg. She was born in 1030 and died in 1071. Adelaide was the daughter of Dedi I, a margrave from the House of Wettin family. They had three children together:
- Leopold II, Margrave of Austria (1050–1095), who became the next Margrave.
- Justitia (died between 1120 and 1122), who married Count Otto II.
- Adalbert of Pernegg, who became the Count of Bogen.
After Adelaide passed away, Ernest married a second time in 1072. His second wife was Swanhild. She was the daughter of Count Sighard VII.
See also
- List of rulers of Austria
