Magnus, Duke of Saxony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Magnus |
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| Duke of Saxony | |
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| Reign | 1072–1106 |
| Predecessor | Ordulf |
| Successor | Lothair |
| Born | c. 1045 |
| Died | 23 August 1106 |
| Spouse | Sophia of Hungary |
| Issue |
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| House | House of Billung |
| Father | Ordulf |
| Mother | Wulfhild of Norway |
Magnus (born around 1045 – died August 23, 1106) was an important leader. He was the last duke of Saxony from the House of Billung. Magnus ruled from 1072 until his death in 1106. He was the oldest son of Ordulf and Wulfhild of Norway.
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Magnus's Early Conflicts
Even before he became a duke, Magnus faced challenges. In 1070, he joined a rebellion. This uprising was against Emperor Henry IV. The emperor was a very powerful ruler.
Joining the Rebellion
Magnus teamed up with Otto of Nordheim. Otto was the duke of Bavaria. Otto was accused of planning to harm the king. He was asked to prove his innocence in a special fight. Otto refused to appear for this fight. Because of this, he lost his lands in Bavaria.
Magnus's Capture and Release
The rebellion was stopped in 1071. Magnus was captured during this time. He was held in a castle called Harzburg. This castle was a strong imperial fortress. It made the people of Saxony very angry. Magnus was not set free until some other prisoners were released. These were seventy people from Swabia who were captured in Lüneburg.
Battles and Reconciliation
In 1073, the Harzburg castle was destroyed. This made Emperor Henry IV very angry. He started fighting with Saxony again.
The Battle of Langensalza
In 1075, a big battle happened. It was called the first battle of Langensalza. Magnus was captured once more during this fight. After being released again, he joined another leader. This was Rudolf von Rheinfeld, the duke of Swabia. Rudolf was also an "anti-king," meaning he claimed to be king instead of Henry.
Saving Rudolf and Making Peace
Magnus was at the Battle of Mellrichstadt in 1078. During this battle, he saved Rudolf's life. However, Magnus and the Saxons did not fully support Rudolf. Eventually, Magnus made peace with Emperor Henry. He even fought alongside the emperor's forces against the Slavs.
Magnus's Later Life and Family
Magnus had a long-standing conflict with the archbishop of Bremen, Adalbert. He often raided the archbishop's lands.
His Death and Legacy
Magnus died in 1106. This was the same year that Emperor Henry IV also passed away. After Magnus's death, his duchy was given to Lothair of Supplinburg.
Division of Lands
Magnus's own lands were divided between his two daughters. He had married Sophia in 1071. Sophia was the daughter of Béla I of Hungary.
- His daughter Wulfhilde (1075–1126) married Duke Henry IX of Bavaria. Her share went to the house of Welf.
- His daughter Eilika (1080 – January 16, 1142) married Count Otto of Ballenstedt. Her share went to the House of Ascania.
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Magnus, Duke of Saxony
House of Billung
Born: c. 1045 Died: 23 August 1106 |
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| Preceded by Ordulf |
Duke of Saxony 1072–1106 |
Succeeded by Lothair |
