Otto I, Duke of Bavaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Otto I Wittelsbach, Duke of Bavaria
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Portrait from Die Chronik Bayerns
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| Born | 1117 Kelheim, Duchy of Bavaria, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | 11 July 1183 Pfullendorf, Holy Roman Empire |
| Noble family | House of Wittelsbach |
| Spouse(s) | Agnes of Loon |
| Issue Detail |
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| Father | Otto IV, Count of Scheyern |
| Mother | Heilika of Pettendorf-Lengenfeld |
Otto I (born 1117 – died July 11, 1183), also known as Otto the Redhead (German: der Rotkopf), was an important ruler in the history of Bavaria. He became the Duke of Bavaria in 1180 and ruled until his death. Before that, he was known as Otto VI, the Count Palatine of Bavaria, from 1156. Otto I was the very first ruler from the House of Wittelsbach family to govern Bavaria. This powerful family continued to rule Bavaria for many centuries, right up until 1918!
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Otto's Early Life and Family
Otto I was likely born in a town called Kelheim. His father was Otto IV, Count of Wittelsbach, a Count Palatine. His mother was Heilika of Pettendorf-Lengenfeld. Otto also had a brother named Conrad of Wittelsbach, who became an important church leader. When his father passed away in 1156, Otto took over his role as Count Palatine. At this time, Bavaria was led by Henry the Lion.
A Loyal Knight for the Emperor
Otto was known as one of the best knights serving Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. In 1155, he helped the Emperor's army avoid a big defeat near Verona. The army was ambushed while returning from a special ceremony in Rome. Otto's bravery helped save the day.
He was very loyal to Emperor Frederick. During a big meeting in 1157, there was a disagreement between the Emperor and the Pope's representative. Otto was so passionate that Emperor Frederick himself had to stop Otto from using his battleaxe! This shows how strong-willed and dedicated Otto was.
Becoming Duke of Bavaria
Otto's loyalty paid off. On September 16, 1180, he was given the important title of Duke of Bavaria. This happened after the previous duke, Henry the Lion, was removed from his position. However, many of the powerful noble families in Bavaria didn't respect Otto at first. They even refused to attend his first official meeting!
In the same year, a part of Bavaria called Styria became its own separate duchy. This meant Bavaria lost some of its land. But with the Emperor's support and his brother Conrad's help, Otto was able to make sure his family's rule was secure. His family, the Wittelsbachs, would then rule Bavaria for an amazing 738 years!
Around 1182 or 1183, Duke Otto bought Dachau castle and its lands. He paid a large amount of money for it.
In 1183, Otto traveled with Emperor Frederick to sign an important peace agreement called the Peace of Constance. On his way back, Otto suddenly died in Pfullendorf. His only living son, Louis, took over as Duke. Otto I was buried in the crypt of Scheyern Abbey.
Otto's Family
Around 1169, Otto married a woman named Agnes of Loon. She was the daughter of Count Louis I of Loon. Together, Agnes and Otto had many children:
- Otto (1169–1181)
- Ulrich
- Agnes (1172 - 1200), who married Henry von Plain
- Heilika I (1171-1200), who married Hallgrave Dietrich of Wasserburg
- Richardis (1173–1231), who married Count Otto I
- Louis I (1173–1231), who married Ludmilla of Bohemia
- Heilika II (1176-1214), who married Count Adelbert III of Dillingen
- Elisabeth (1178-1190), who married Count Berthold II of Vohburg
- Mechtild (1180–1231), who married Count Rapoto II of Ortenburg
- Sophia (1170–1238), who married Landgrave Hermann I of Thuringia
