Odo of Wetterau facts for kids

Odo of Wetterau was an important German nobleman who lived a long time ago, from around 895 to 949. He played a big role in Germany during the 900s.

Odo of Wetterau: A Powerful Nobleman

Odo's Early Life and Important Roles

Odo was the son of a powerful man named Gebhard, who was a count in a region called Rheingau. In the year 914, Odo became the Count of Wetterau. A "count" was a noble who ruled a specific area, like a governor. Odo also started a church called St. Mary's Church in a town called Wetzlar.

The Wetterau region had belonged to Odo's father, Gebhard. Odo also gained control of two other areas that his father had ruled: Rheingau in 917 and Lahngau in 918. This made Odo a very influential person with control over several important regions.

The Famous Battle of Andernach

Odo is most famous for his part in the Battle of Andernach, which happened on October 2, 939. This battle was a big deal because it helped Emperor Otto I the Great keep his power.

Here's what happened: Two powerful dukes, Gilbert II of Maasgau and Eberhard of Franconia, were rebelling against the Emperor. They had attacked and stolen from the lands of Odo and his nephew, Conrad. Odo and Conrad didn't have enough soldiers to stop them at first.

But when the rebellious dukes tried to cross the Rhine River at Andernach to go back to their own lands, Odo and Conrad saw their chance. Most of the rebel army had already crossed the river, but Gilbert and Eberhard were still on the eastern side with the last of their troops.

At that exact moment, Odo and Conrad attacked! They defeated the remaining rebel soldiers. Eberhard was killed in the fight, and Gilbert drowned in the Rhine River while trying to escape. This victory crushed the rebellion, and Emperor Otto I could easily get back control of his empire.

Odo's Family and Legacy

Because of his loyalty and bravery at Andernach, Odo became a favorite of Emperor Otto I. When his nephew Conrad died in 949, Odo was also given the title of Count of Lower Lahngau.

Odo married a daughter of Herbert I, who was a count from a place called Vermandois. They had several children:

• Gebhard (died in 938) – He was killed fighting against a rebellion led by Thankmar, who was Emperor Otto's older half-brother.
• Herbert (born around 930, died in 992)
• Otto
• Odo (died on August 26, 965) – He became the Bishop of Strasbourg on August 13, 950. He might have been the same person as his brother Otto.
• Judith
• Conrad I, Duke of Swabia

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