Louis I, Landgrave of Thuringia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis I, Landgrave of Thuringia
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Louis I, Landgrave of Thuringia Statue
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| Born | (?) (?) |
| Died | 12 January 1140 |
| Buried | Abbey of Reinhardsbrunn |
| Noble family | Ludovingians |
| Spouse(s) | Hedwig of Gudensberg |
| Issue | Louis II, Landgrave of Thuringia Judith of Thuringia |
| Father | Louis the Springer |
| Mother | Adelheid of Stade |
Louis I (died January 12, 1140) was an important ruler of a region called Thuringia in what is now Germany. He was in charge from 1123 until his death in 1140.
Louis I's Life
Louis I was the son of Count Louis the Springer. His mother was Adelheid. In 1131, Emperor Lothair III gave Louis the title of Landgrave of Thuringia. A Landgrave was a type of count who ruled over a large area of land.
Even though he was the third Louis in his family line, he was called Louis I. This was because he gained control of Thuringia for his family. When a family expanded its territory, it was common to start counting the rulers from one again.
Marriage and New Lands
Louis I married Hedwig of Gudensberg. This marriage was very important for him. After Hedwig's father, Count Giso IV, died, Louis gained control of a lot of new land. This led to the joining of Thuringia and another region called Hesse. In 1137, Louis also became the Landgrave of Hesse-Gudensberg.
Rise to Power
Louis had a close relationship with King Lothair III. This friendship helped him become a very powerful prince. After King Lothair died in 1137, Louis had to choose sides in a big power struggle. He decided to support the Hohenstaufen family. They were fighting against the Welf family for control of the Holy Roman Empire.
Louis I died on January 12, 1140. He was buried at the Abbey of Reinhardsbrunn.
Family
Louis I had a daughter named Judith of Thuringia. She later married King Vladislaus II of Bohemia.
