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Liutold of Eppenstein
Duke of Carinthia
Reign 1077–1090
Noble family House of Eppenstein
Father Markwart of Eppenstein
Mother Liutbirg of Plain
Born c. 1050
Died (1090-05-12)12 May 1090
Burial St. Lambrecht's Abbey

Liutold of Eppenstein (born around 1050 – died May 12, 1090) was an important leader. He was the Duke of Carinthia and Margrave of Verona. He held these titles from 1077 until he passed away.

Liutold's Life and Family

Liutold was the second son of Markwart, who was a Count from the Eppenstein family. His mother was Liutbirg. Liutold's grandfather, Adalbero of Eppenstein, had also been the Duke of Carinthia. However, Emperor Conrad II removed Adalbero from his position in 1035.

Even after this, the Eppenstein family remained very powerful. They lived in the Upper Styrian region, which was part of Carinthia. This made it hard for new rulers, chosen by the emperor, to control the local nobles.

How Liutold Became Duke

Liutold got the ducal title back for his family. The duke before him was Berthold II from the Zähringen family. Berthold had supported someone called Rudolf of Rheinfelden. Rudolf was an "antiking" during a big fight called the Investiture Controversy.

The Investiture Controversy was a disagreement about who should choose important church leaders. The King and the Pope had different ideas. Because Berthold supported the antiking, King Henry IV removed him from power in 1077.

King Henry IV then chose Liutold to be the new duke. Liutold had helped the King by giving him a safe path. This happened when King Henry was returning to Germany from Canossa. Liutold guided him through the Predil Pass and his lands in Carinthia.

Changes to His Lands

Even though Liutold became duke, his family's lands became smaller. King Henry gave some areas to others. The Friuli and Istria regions, which were part of Verona, went to a new church area. This was called the Patria del Friuli (Patriarchate of Aquileia).

Also, the Carinthian March of Styria remained under the rule of the Otakars. This meant Liutold's power was not as widespread as it might have been.

Later Years and Legacy

Liutold later traveled with King Henry IV to Rome. There, King Henry was crowned as the Holy Roman Emperor. Liutold also had his family's castle, Eppenstein Castle, rebuilt.

Liutold was married twice, but he did not have any children. He passed away in 1090. His younger brother, Henry, became the next duke. Liutold was buried at St. Lambrecht's Abbey in Styria.

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