Hedwig of Babenberg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hedwig of Babenberg |
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| Duchess consort of Saxony | |
| Tenure | 880 - 903 |
| Died | 24 December 903 |
| Spouse | Otto I, Duke of Saxony |
| Issue | Thankmar Liudolf Henry the Fowler Oda of Saxony |
| Father | Henry, Margrave of the Franks |
| Mother | Ingeltrude |
Hedwig (also known as Hadewig or Hathui) was an important noblewoman in early German history. She lived from about 850 until her death on December 24, 903. Hedwig became the Duchess of Saxony when she married Otto the Illustrious. She is most famous for being the mother of Henry the Fowler, who later became a powerful king.
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Who Was Hedwig of Babenberg?
Hedwig was a Duchess of Saxony. This title meant she was the wife of the Duke of Saxony. She held this important position from around 880 until her death in 903. Her husband, Otto the Illustrious, belonged to a powerful family called the Liudolfing dynasty.
Her Family Background
The exact details of Hedwig's parents are not fully known from old records. However, historians believe she was the daughter of Henry of Franconia. Henry was a very important military leader. He served King Louis the Younger of East Francia (an early German kingdom). Henry was also a duke in a region called Austrasia under Emperor Charles the Fat.
Henry of Franconia died in battle in 886. He was fighting against Vikings during the Siege of Paris. This battle took place in West Francia, which is now France.
Marriage to Otto the Illustrious
Hedwig married Otto, who was a younger son of Count Liudolf. Liudolf was a powerful leader in Saxony. Otto's family, the Liudolfings, was already very important in the region. Otto's sister, Liutgard, married King Louis the Younger around the same time.
Otto became the head of his family after his older brother, Bruno, died. Bruno was killed fighting Vikings in 880 at the Battle of Lüneburg Heath. With support from his brother-in-law, King Louis the Younger, Otto became the Duke of Saxony. Hedwig's husband, Otto, always supported the Carolingian dynasty, which was the ruling family at the time.
Hedwig's Children
Hedwig and Otto had several children together. Their most famous son was Henry the Fowler. Henry later became a king and continued his family's important role in history.
They also had two older sons, Thankmar and Liudolf. Sadly, both Thankmar and Liudolf died when they were young. Hedwig and Otto also had a daughter named Oda. Oda married King Zwentibold of Lotharingia in 897. Zwentibold was a son of Emperor Arnulf.
