Mathilde, Abbess of Essen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mathilde |
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Mathilde and her brother Otto on the donor portrait of the Cross of Otto and Mathilde
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| Abbess of Essen | |
| Reign | 973 - 5 November 1011 |
| Predecessor | Ida |
| Successor | Sophia |
| Born | 949 |
| Died | 5 November 1011 Essen |
| House | Ottonian dynasty |
| Father | Liudolf, Duke of Swabia |
| Mother | Ida of Swabia |
| Religion | Catholic |
Mathilde (born 949, died November 5, 1011) was a very important leader of Essen Abbey from 973 until her death. She was known for managing the abbey's buildings, its valuable relics (holy objects), and its beautiful artworks. Mathilde also handled the abbey's political connections and made sure people received a good education. Sometimes she is called "Mathilde II" to tell her apart from an earlier abbess with the same name, but that earlier abbess's existence is not certain.
Contents
Mathilde's Family and Early Life
Mathilde came from a very important family in the Holy Roman Empire. Her father was Duke Liudolf of Swabia, and her mother was Ida. Her grandfather was Otto the Great, a powerful emperor. This made Mathilde a princess of the Ottonian dynasty.
Mathilde's brother, Otto, became Duke of Swabia and Bavaria. Sadly, he died unexpectedly in 982.
Mathilde likely grew up at Essen Abbey, starting her education there around 953 or 957. Essen Abbey was founded in 845 and had strong ties to Mathilde's family. After a fire in 947, the abbey gained special rights from Emperor Otto I. This meant it was only answerable to the Pope and the Emperor, making it a very important place.
It was probably decided early on that Mathilde would become abbess. In 966, her grandfather, Emperor Otto I, gave land to the nuns at her request. This gift likely marked Mathilde's official entry into the abbey.
Mathilde received an excellent education. She studied religious texts and also classical authors like Terence. She learned Latin and even some Greek, which prepared her well for her future role.
Becoming an Abbess
Mathilde became Abbess of Essen in 973, when she was about 24 years old. A document from that year shows that Emperor Otto II confirmed the abbey's rights at her request. This document also mentions Gero, a powerful bishop, and Mathilde's brother Otto.
Mathilde was not an abbess who stayed hidden away. She traveled often, visiting places like Aachen, Aschaffenburg, and Dortmund. She also had many important contacts. For example, she corresponded with Æthelweard, an Anglo-Saxon earl, who translated his history book into Latin for her. All of Mathilde's activities helped her abbey and honored her family.
Mathilde's Role in Politics
Essen Abbey was an "Imperial abbey," meaning it was directly under the Emperor's protection. Mathilde's family was the Imperial family, giving her a strong position.
A big change in Mathilde's life happened when her brother Otto died in Italy in 982. A year later, her uncle, Emperor Otto II, also died. This made Mathilde the last important member of her family's branch.
After Otto II's death, his son Otto III was only three years old. His cousin, Henry the Wrangler, tried to take control. Mathilde likely played a role in this political struggle. She was also the guardian of Otto III's sister, Matilda.
The Golden Madonna of Essen, a famous golden statue, came to Essen around this time. It might have symbolized the right of Otto III's mother, Theophanu, to care for her son.
In 993, Emperor Otto III visited Essen Abbey. He gave the abbey the crown he wore when he was crowned king. He also donated a special sword with a golden sheath. These gifts show Otto III's thanks for Mathilde's help in securing his rule.
Supporting the Arts
Mathilde used her family's wealth to create beautiful artworks. These treasures helped remember her relatives and herself. The historian Æthelweard translated his history book into Latin for Mathilde. This book honored her Anglo-Saxon ancestors.
Mathilde is especially famous for the amazing gold artworks she ordered for Essen Abbey. These include two jeweled crosses that are now in the Essen Cathedral Treasury. Both crosses show pictures of Mathilde in enamel. On the Cross of Otto and Mathilde, she is shown with her brother Otto. On the "second Mathilde cross," she is with the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus.
The Golden Madonna of Essen, a rare statue covered in gold, also dates from her time as abbess. A large, seven-armed gilt-bronze candelabrum (a large candle holder) also has an inscription saying Mathilde ordered it. All these beautiful works are still in Essen today.
Mathilde also had a very expensive casket made to honor Emperor Otto II. This casket, called the Shrine of Marsus, was made of gold and decorated with many gems and enamel pictures. It was the oldest reliquary casket in the Empire. Sadly, this masterpiece was destroyed in 1794 when it was being moved for safety.
Mathilde's Building Projects
Mathilde is believed to have started building the westwerk of Essen Minster, which is the western part of the church. This was a very impressive building for its time. She was also responsible for the earliest plumbing found at Essen, a lead pipe system, which showed how important and wealthy the abbey was.
Some historians thought a later abbess, Theophanu, built the westwerk. However, new research suggests Mathilde began this major construction project. It's also possible that both abbesses worked on the church over a long period.
Mathilde and Her Namesake Cousin
It's important not to confuse Abbess Mathilde with her younger cousin, Matilda of Germany, Countess Palatine of Lotharingia (979–1025). This younger Matilda was the daughter of Emperor Otto II. She was sent to Essen Abbey to be cared for by Abbess Mathilde. The plan was for her to become an abbess like her older sisters.
However, around the year 1000, young Matilda married Ezzo, Count Palatine of Lotharingia. Abbess Mathilde strongly objected to this marriage. Despite her objections, Ezzo came to Essen to take his bride. This marriage helped settle a dispute over lands and was a very happy one. They had ten children, including Theophanu, who later became another Abbess of Essen.
Last Years and Passing
The death of Emperor Otto III in 1002 was a big moment for Mathilde. Otto had been a strong supporter of Essen Abbey. His successor was Henry II, who was the son of Henry the Wrangler.
While Henry II confirmed the abbey's rights, there were likely disagreements over Mathilde's personal wealth. It seems her income was reduced after Henry II became emperor. This might be because she was involved in opposing his rule, along with other important leaders like Ezzo, her cousin's husband. This dispute lasted until 1011.
Mathilde, under whom Essen Abbey had a time of great success, passed away in Essen on November 5, 1011. The Annals of Quedlinburg, a historical record, called her "the gem of the royal line."
Mathilde was likely buried in a special place in the crypt of Essen Minster. During excavations in 1952, a grave was found in a prominent spot, which might have been hers.
Mathilde's Legacy
Mathilde's direct successor was Sophia, a daughter of Emperor Otto II. Sophia was also Abbess of Gandersheim and spent most of her time there. Because of this, many of Mathilde's projects remained unfinished.
However, Sophia's successor, Theophanu, was the daughter of Ezzo and the younger Matilda (Mathilde's cousin). Theophanu completed many of Mathilde's plans. The beautiful Cross of Mathilde in the Essen treasury was donated by Theophanu to honor Mathilde. It shows Mathilde in her monastic clothes, kneeling before Mary.
Theophanu also renovated the abbey church's crypt, moving Mathilde's grave to the center and surrounding it with holy relics. This showed how much she respected Mathilde.
Mathilde's memory was greatly honored in Essen. She was called Mater ecclesiae nostrae (Mother of our church). In 2011, Germany celebrated the 1000th anniversary of her death with an exhibition in Essen.
Images for kids
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The Seven-armed candelabrum which Mathilde donated to keep her memory alive. This picture, taken in 2010, shows the candelabrum lit up in her memory on the 999th anniversary of her death.
