Frederick II, Margrave of Meissen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Frederick II |
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|---|---|
| Margrave of Meissen Landgrave of Thuringia |
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| Reign | 1323–1349 |
| Predecessor | Frederick I |
| Successor | Frederick III |
| Born | 30 November 1310 Gotha, Duchy of Saxe-Wittenberg, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | 18 November 1349 (aged 38) Wartburg, Duchy of Saxe-Wittenberg, Holy Roman Empire |
| Burial | Altzella Abbey |
| Spouse | Mathilde of Bavaria |
| Issue Detail |
Elisabeth, Burgravine of Nuremberg Frederick III, Landgrave of Thuringia Balthasar, Landgrave of Thuringia Louis, Archbishop of Magdeburg William I, Margrave of Meissen |
| House | House of Wettin |
| Father | Frederick I, Margrave of Meissen |
| Mother | Elisabeth von Lobdeburg-Arnshaugk |
Frederick II (born November 30, 1310 – died November 18, 1349) was an important ruler in Germany. He was the Margrave of Meissen and also the Landgrave of Thuringia. He ruled these lands from 1323 until he passed away.
Contents
Early Life of Frederick II
Frederick was born on November 30, 1310, in a town called Gotha. His father was Margrave Frederick I. His mother was Elisabeth von Lobdeburg-Arnshaugk.
When his father died in 1323, Frederick was still young. His mother helped him rule the lands of Margraviate of Meissen and Thuringia. She was his guardian until he was old enough to rule by himself.
Frederick II's Time as Ruler
Frederick became the full ruler in 1329. He faced many challenges during his time. He had to deal with conflicts with other powerful families and neighbors.
The Thuringian Count's War
In 1338, Frederick tried to make a new peace rule. This rule would give him more power. It would also reduce the power of smaller landlords and local rulers. Many nobles did not like this idea. They wanted to keep their rights and independence.
In 1342, these unhappy nobles joined together. They started a fight against Frederick II. This conflict is known as the Thuringian Count's War. It lasted for about four years, until 1346.
Dealing with the Emperor
After Emperor Louis IV died, some people wanted Frederick to become the new German king. But Frederick did not trust these people. He thought they might change their minds later.
So, he said no to becoming king. Instead, he supported Charles IV. Frederick focused on making his own rule stronger. He also worked to protect his lands from any threats from Charles IV.
In 1348, Frederick and Charles IV met in Bautzen. They agreed to respect each other's lands. Frederick II died on November 18, 1349, at Wartburg.
Frederick II's Family
Frederick II married Mathilde of Bavaria in May 1323. She was the daughter of Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor. Frederick and Mathilde had nine children together:
- Elisabeth (born 1329 – died 1375), who married Frederick V of Nuremberg.
- Frederick (born and died 1330).
- Frederick III, Landgrave of Thuringia.
- Balthasar (born 1336 – died 1406).
- Beatrice (born 1339 – died 1399), who became a nun.
- Louis (born 1340 – died 1382), who became a bishop.
- William the One-eyed.
- Anne (born 1345 – died 1363), who became a nun.
- Clara Elisabetta (born 1345).
