Gertrude of Babenberg, Duchess of Bohemia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gertrude of Babenberg
Portrait in the Babenberg pedigree, Klosterneuburg monastery
Duchess consort of Bohemia
Tenure	1140–1150
Born	c. 1118
Died	(1150-04-08)8 April 1150 Prague, Bohemia
Spouse	Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia
Issue Detail	Frederick, Duke of Bohemia Adalbert III of Bohemia
House	Babenberg
Father	Leopold III, Margrave of Austria
Mother	Agnes of Germany

Gertrude of Babenberg (born around 1118 – died April 8, 1150) was an important noblewoman. She belonged to the House of Babenberg, a powerful family. From 1140 until her death, she was the Duchess consort of Bohemia. This means she was the wife of the ruler of Bohemia. Her husband was Vladislaus II, a duke from the Přemyslid dynasty.

Gertrude's Early Life and Family

Gertrude was born around 1118. Her father was Leopold III, who was a margrave of Austria. A margrave was a type of ruler, similar to a duke, in charge of a border region. Her mother was Agnes of Waiblingen. Agnes came from the Salian dynasty, another important royal family.

Gertrude had many important family connections. Her brother, Leopold IV, became the next margrave of Austria after their father died. In 1138, her brother Leopold married Maria of Bohemia. Maria was a cousin of Gertrude's future husband, Vladislaus. This marriage created strong ties between their families.

Becoming Duchess of Bohemia

In 1140, Gertrude married Vladislaus II. He was the oldest son of a previous Bohemian duke, Vladislaus I. Before their marriage, Vladislaus II had left Bohemia. This happened during the rule of his uncle, Duke Soběslav I. However, after Soběslav died, the local nobles called Vladislaus back to rule.

Gertrude's family connections were very helpful to Vladislaus. Her mother, Agnes, was also the mother of Conrad III of Germany. This made Gertrude the half-sister of King Conrad III. Having a king as a close relative was a big advantage for Vladislaus. It showed he had powerful support.

Defending Prague Castle

Gertrude was not just a quiet duchess. In 1142, Bohemia faced a challenge. Vladislaus's cousin, Count Conrad II of Znojmo, attacked Prague. During this time, Vladislaus left to get help from King Conrad III.

While Vladislaus was away, Gertrude bravely defended Prague Castle. She did this with the help of her brother-in-law, Děpold. Her actions showed her strength and leadership during a difficult time.

Later Life and Legacy

Gertrude also played a role in her husband's projects. She encouraged Duke Vladislaus to build new religious places. Because of her support, Vladislaus invited religious groups from other countries to settle in Bohemia. These groups helped to establish new monasteries and churches.

Gertrude and Vladislaus had five children together. She passed away in 1150 in Prague, Bohemia. She was about 30 years old.

Children of Gertrude and Vladislaus

• Frederick, Duke of Bohemia (also known as Bedřich; died 1189)
• A daughter (possibly named Richeza), who married Yaroslav II of Kyiv.
• Svatopluk, who married Odola, a daughter of King Géza II of Hungary.
• Adalbert III of Bohemia (also known as Vojtĕch; 1145–1200), who became the Archbishop of Salzburg.
• Agnes (also known as Anežka; died 1228), who became an abbess at St George of Prague.