Louis III, Elector Palatine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Louis III |
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| Elector Palatine | |
| Reign | 18 May 1410 – 30 December 1436 |
| Predecessor | Rupert III |
| Successor | Louis IV |
| Born | 23 January 1378 |
| Died | 30 December 1436 (aged 58) Heidelberg |
| Spouse | Blanche of England Matilda of Savoy |
| Issue | Mathilde Louis IV, Elector Palatine Frederick I, Elector Palatine Rupprecht |
| House | Wittelsbach |
| Father | Rupert of Germany |
| Mother | Elisabeth of Nuremberg |
Louis III (also known as Ludwig III. der Ältere or der Bärtige in German) was an important ruler from 1410 to 1436. He was an Elector Palatine of the Rhine, a powerful title in the Holy Roman Empire. Louis belonged to the House of Wittelsbach, a famous European royal family. He was born on January 23, 1378, and passed away on December 30, 1436, in Heidelberg.
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Louis III's Early Life and Reign
Louis III was the third son of Rupert of Germany, who was the King of Germany. His mother was Elisabeth of Nuremberg. When his father went on a military trip to Italy between 1401 and 1402, Louis helped manage affairs as an imperial vicar. This meant he acted as a representative for the emperor.
In 1410, Louis took over from his father as the Elector of the Palatinate. He was the oldest surviving son. The Palatinate was a region in Germany. It was divided among Rupert's four sons. Louis III received the main part of the territory. His brothers also received their own areas. John got Palatinate-Neumarkt. Stephen received Palatinate-Simmern. And Otto was given Palatinate-Mosbach.
Louis III's Role in Politics and Religion
Louis III was a very cultured and religious person. He was a supporter of the Heidelberg University, helping it to grow and succeed. He was also a member of two important groups: the Parakeet Society and the League of Constance.
He served as a representative for Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor. Louis even carried the emperor's sword during the important Council of Constance. This council was a big meeting of church leaders. Louis played a part in carrying out the decisions made by the council. He also arrested Antipope John XXIII in 1415.
In 1427, Louis III went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He organized this trip after his son Ruprecht passed away. He returned from the journey very ill. By 1430, he was almost completely blind. In 1435, his wife and her advisors took over his power. Louis III died the next year in Heidelberg. His son, Louis IV, became the next Elector.
Louis III's Family and Children
Louis III was married two times during his life.
First Marriage
His first marriage was on July 6, 1402. He married Blanche of England. She was born in 1392 and died on May 22, 1409. Blanche was the daughter of King Henry IV of England. Her mother was Mary de Bohun. Louis and Blanche had one son together:
- Ruprecht (born June 22, 1406 – died May 20, 1426)
This marriage was important because it helped connect the Palatine Crown to the House of Wittelsbach.
Second Marriage
Louis III married for the second time on November 30, 1417. His second wife was Matilda of Savoy. She was the daughter of Amadeo, Prince of Achaea. Louis and Matilda had five children:
- Mathilde (born March 7, 1419 – died October 1, 1482). She married twice:
- In 1434, she married Count Louis I of Württemberg.
- In 1452, she married Duke Albrecht VI of Austria.
- Louis IV, Elector Palatine (born January 1, 1424 – died August 13, 1449)
- Frederick I, Elector Palatine (born August 1, 1425 – died December 12, 1476)
- Rupprecht (born February 27, 1427 – died July 26, 1480). He became a Prince-elector and archbishop of Cologne.
- Margarete (born around 1428 – died November 23, 1466). She became a nun at the Liebenau monastery.
