Gothelo I, Duke of Lorraine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gothelo I, Duke of Lorraine
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| Born | c. 967 |
| Died | 19 April 1044 |
| Noble family | House of Ardennes–Verdun |
| Issue | Godfrey the Bearded Gothelo II Pope Stephen IX Regilinda Oda Matilda |
| Father | Godfrey I, Count of Verdun |
| Mother | Matilda of Saxony |
Gothelo (born around 967, died April 19, 1044) was a powerful leader in the Middle Ages. He was known as Gothelo the Great. He became the duke of Lower Lorraine in 1023. Later, in 1033, he also became the Duke of Upper Lorraine. This meant he ruled over two large areas.
Gothelo was also a margrave of Antwerp starting from 1005. A margrave was a military commander in charge of a border area. He was also a count of Verdun. Gothelo was the youngest son of Godfrey I, Count of Verdun, and Matilda of Saxony. When his father died, Gothelo received the area of Antwerp. He then became a helper to his older brother, Godfrey II, who was the duke of Lower Lorraine.
In 1023, Gothelo took over as duke after his brother died. He had the support of Emperor Henry II. However, some people did not agree with this. Conrad II, another emperor, had to step in. He made the rebels give up in 1025.
In 1033, the family ruling Upper Lorraine had no more heirs. Emperor Conrad II then made Gothelo the duke of both Lower and Upper Lorraine. This was to help defend the land against Odo II. Odo was a powerful count who ruled several areas like Blois and Champagne. Around 1033-1034, Gothelo also had a disagreement with Baldwin IV, Count of Flanders over a border area called Ename.
Gothelo's Big Battle
Gothelo fought an important battle called the Battle of Bar. This happened on November 15, 1037. In this battle, Gothelo strongly defeated Odo II. Odo was trying to create his own independent country between France and Germany. Odo died during this battle. This was a very important victory for Gothelo.
Gothelo's Later Life and Family
Gothelo died on April 19, 1044. He was buried in the Abbey Church of Bilzen. After his death, his son Godfrey became the duke of Upper Lorraine. However, Emperor Henry III did not want Godfrey to rule Lower Lorraine as well.
Godfrey disagreed with the emperor's decision. Emperor Henry III then threatened to give Lower Lorraine to Godfrey's brother, Gothelo. This brother was not as skilled as Godfrey. This disagreement led to a long fight in the region of Lotharingia. Godfrey and his allies, like the counts of Flanders and Leuven, fought against the emperor's forces. This conflict lasted from 1044 to 1056.
We do not know the name of Gothelo's wife. He had several children:
- Godfrey the Bearded, who became the duke of Lower Lorraine.
- Gothelo, who also became a duke of Lower Lorraine.
- Frederick, who later became Pope Stephen IX.
- Regilinda, who married Albert II, Count of Namur.
- Oda, who married Lambert II, Count of Leuven.
- Matilda, who married Henry I, Count Palatine of Lotharingia.
