Hildegar (bishop of Cologne) facts for kids

Hildegar (also known as Hildiger or Hildeger) was an important bishop in the city of Cologne starting in 750. He passed away on August 8, 753. Hildegar was a strong supporter of the Carolingians, a powerful family who became kings in 751. They took over from the earlier Merovingians rulers.

A Leader in the Church

Hildegar became the bishop of Cologne in the year 750. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the Christian church. He was likely born into a noble, or important, family.

He had a disagreement with another church leader named Boniface. Hildegar believed he should have special authority over the diocese of Utrecht. Boniface, however, disagreed with Hildegar's claim. Boniface even wrote to Pope Stephen II to explain why Hildegar was wrong.

A Brave Defender

In 753, a group of Saxons attacked the land of Francia. They burned down thirty churches. Because of this, King Pippin the Short led a large army to fight back. This was a "punitive expedition," meaning it was meant to punish the Saxons for their actions.

Hildegar joined the king's army. He died while defending a fortress called Juberg or Iburg, which was near Osnabrück. He was probably leading the local soldiers from Cologne who were defending the fortress.