Leopold V, Archduke of Austria facts for kids
Leopold V (born October 9, 1586 – died September 13, 1632) was an important ruler in Austria. He was known as the Archduke of Further Austria. An Archduke was a special title for a prince in the Habsburg family, who ruled parts of Austria.
Leopold V was the son of Archduke Charles II. He was also the younger brother of Emperor Ferdinand II. Leopold V was a Bishop of Passau and Strasbourg for a time. He later gave up these church roles to get married. He then became the ruler of Further Austria, which included the region of Tyrol.
Early Life and Church Roles
Leopold was born in a city called Graz. When he was a child in 1598, he was made a bishop. This happened even before he became a priest. Later, in 1607, he became the Bishop of Strasbourg. He held this important church position until 1626.
Leopold was involved in some conflicts early in his life. From 1609, he used his mercenaries (paid soldiers) in a war called the War of the Jülich succession. He also fought in a family dispute among the Austrian Habsburgs. This was known as the Brothers' Quarrel. He fought against his cousin, Maximilian III, in Tyrol. In 1611, he supported another cousin, Rudolf II, in Bohemia.
In 1614, Leopold helped pay for a new church. This was the Church of the Jesuit College in Molsheim. You can still see his family's coat of arms there today.
Becoming a Ruler
In 1619, Leopold's cousin Maximilian III passed away. Leopold then became the governor of Maximilian's lands. These lands included Further Austria and Tyrol. In 1626, he officially became the ruler, or Archduke, of Further Austria. He ruled these lands until he died in 1632.
In 1626, Leopold decided to leave his church positions. He then married Claudia de' Medici. As a ruler, he ordered the building of a custom house and a Jesuit church in Innsbruck. He also played a role in defending Tyrol. In 1632, he helped protect Tyrol from the Swedes. Leopold V passed away in Schwaz, Tyrol.
Family and Legacy
Leopold V and his wife, Claudia de' Medici, started a new branch of the Habsburg family. This family line continued until 1665. They were known as the Archdukes of Further Austria.
Here are their children:
- Maria-Eleonora (1627–1629)
- Ferdinand Charles (1628–1662); he married Anna de' Medici
- Isabella-Clara (1629–1685); she married Charles III, Duke of Mantua
- Sigismund Francis (1630-1665); he married Hedwig of the Palatinate-Sulzbach
- Maria Leopoldine (1632–1649); she married Emperor Ferdinand III
Images for kids
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A silver coin from 1621 featuring Leopold V.
See also
In Spanish: Leopoldo V de Habsburgo para niños
