Heinrich II von Rotteneck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Heinrich II von Rotteneck |
|
|---|---|
| Diocese | Regensburg |
| Enthroned | 1277 |
| Reign ended | 1296 |
| Predecessor | Leo Thundorfer |
| Successor | Konrad V von Luppurg |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 7 August 1296 |
| Nationality | Bavarian |
| Denomination | Catholic |
Heinrich II von Rotteneck was an important leader in the church, known as a prince-bishop. He was in charge of the Regensburg area from 1277 until he passed away on August 7, 1296.
Contents
Who Was Heinrich II von Rotteneck?
His Family Background
Heinrich II von Rotteneck came from an important family. His father was Count Meinard of Rotteneck, and his mother was Beatrix, who was a Countess from Moosburg.
His family was so well-known that the town of Rottenegg, near Geisenfeld, was named after them. Heinrich was the last person in his direct family line. His sister's son, Konrad II von Pfeffenhausen, later became the Bishop of Eichstätt.
Heinrich's Time as Bishop
Rebuilding Regensburg Cathedral
Heinrich became the bishop of Regensburg in 1277. Before he took over, the Regensburg Cathedral had been badly damaged. A big fire in 1273 had destroyed parts of it and many valuable items were lost.
Bishop Heinrich wanted to rebuild the cathedral. To get money for this huge project, he sold his family's Rottenegg castle and its lands, including Mainburg castle. He sold them to Duke Ludwig II of Bavaria on August 21, 1279.
Contributions to the Cathedral
Heinrich did more than just rebuild the cathedral in the new Gothic style. He also gave many special items and clothes used in church services.
He loved music and wanted it to be a bigger part of the church. He brought in two monks from Heilsbronn Abbey to teach people how to sing in a choir.
Helping Make Peace
Heinrich was also a peacemaker. He worked with Gottfried, who was the Bishop of Passau. They helped settle a disagreement between Henry XIII, Duke of Bavaria, and Duke Albert of Austria. These two dukes were arguing over who owned certain lands near the Inn river. Heinrich and Gottfried helped them find a peaceful solution.
Legacy and Death
Heinrich II von Rotteneck passed away on August 7, 1296.
Today, the cathedral's museum has a special cloth hanging called an antependium that shows him. This beautiful silk weaving came from Italy. The museum also has three oil bottles that Heinrich donated. These bottles are considered some of the best examples of their kind from the Middle Ages.
