Herman II, Duke of Swabia facts for kids

Herman II (who also went by Hermann) was an important leader from a family called the Conradines. He was the Duke of Swabia, a powerful region in what is now Germany, from 997 until he died in 1003. In 1002, Herman tried to become the king of Germany, but he wasn't successful.

Early Life and Role as Duke

Herman II was the son of Conrad I, who was also the Duke of Swabia. Historians are not completely sure who Herman's mother was. Some believe she was Reglint, the granddaughter of Emperor Otto I. Others think his mother was Judith of Öhningen.

Becoming Duke of Swabia

In 997, Herman II became the Duke of Swabia after his father, Conrad I, passed away. Being a duke meant he was a powerful ruler of a large area. In the same year, Herman II joined Emperor Otto III on a trip to Italy. This shows he was an important figure in the empire.

Trying to Become King

When Emperor Otto III died in January 1002 without any children, several powerful men wanted to become the new king of Germany. Herman II was one of these candidates. Other important people who wanted the throne included Henry II and Eckard of Meissen.

Claiming the Throne

Both Herman II and Henry II said they were related to Henry the Fowler. He was a very important ancestor of the Ottonian dynasty, a powerful ruling family. Eckard was also a strong leader, but he was not as closely related to the Ottonian family. Sadly, Eckard was killed in April 1002 by people who did not want him to be king.

The Nobles' Choice

Many German nobles, who were important leaders, met in a city called Aachen in April 1002. According to a writer named Thietmar of Merseburg, most of these nobles supported Herman II. Even a very important church leader, Archbishop Heribert of Cologne, wanted Herman to be king.

Henry II Becomes King

However, Herman's rival, Henry II, did not wait for the nobles to decide. He quickly had himself crowned king by Archbishop Willigis of Mainz on June 7, 1002. Herman had tried to stop Henry II from reaching Mainz, but he failed.

Accepting the New King

At first, Herman refused to accept Henry II as the new king. He even led his soldiers against Henry and his supporters. Herman's men caused damage to a church in Strasbourg. But by October 1002, Herman II decided to show his respect to Henry II in a special ceremony at Bruchsal. Herman accepted Henry as king and promised to fix the damage done in Strasbourg. By Christmas 1002, Herman was at the king's court in Frankfurt. This showed that he and Henry II were getting along better. In January 1003, Henry II asked Herman to give control of a women's monastery in Strasbourg to Bishop Werner of Strasbourg.

Family Life

Herman II married Gerberga of Burgundy. She was the daughter of King Conrad of Burgundy. Herman and Gerberga had several children together:

• Gisela later married Emperor Conrad II.
• Matilda of Swabia married Frederick II, Duke of Upper Lorraine.
• Herman III, Duke of Swabia became a duke like his father.
• Beatrice, who married Adalbert of Eppenstein.

Death and Legacy

Herman II died on May 4, 1003, not long after he gave up control of the monastery in Strasbourg. Some people at the time believed his death was a punishment for the damage his men caused to the church in Strasbourg. After Herman died, King Henry II took control of the duchy of Swabia. He also separated a region called Alsace from Swabia. Henry II also became the guardian for Herman's young son, Herman III, who became the next Duke of Swabia.