Richenza of Northeim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richenza of Northeim |
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Depiction in the Gospels of Henry the Lion, Richenza's grandson
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| Holy Roman Empress | |
| Tenure | 4 June 1133 – 4 December 1137 |
| Coronation | 4 June 1133 |
| Queen consort of Germany | |
| Tenure | 30 August 1125 – 4 December 1137 |
| Born | c. 1087/1089 |
| Died | 10 June 1141 |
| Spouse | Lothair II, Holy Roman Emperor |
| Issue | Gertrude, Duchess of Bavaria |
| Father | Henry, Margrave of Frisia |
| Mother | Gertrude of Brunswick |
Richenza of Northeim was a powerful woman in medieval Europe. She was born around 1087 or 1089. She became the Duchess of Saxony in 1106. Later, she was the Queen of Germany from 1125. Finally, she became the Holy Roman Empress in 1133. She was married to Lothair of Supplinburg.
Richenza's Family and Early Life
Richenza was the daughter of Count Henry the Fat of Northeim. Her mother was Gertrude of Brunswick. Around 1107, Richenza married Lothair of Supplinburg. He had just become the Duke of Saxony.
Richenza and Lothair had one daughter who lived. Her name was Gertrude of Süpplingenburg. Gertrude was born in 1115. In 1127, Gertrude married Henry the Proud. He was a duke from Bavaria and part of the House of Welf family.
Becoming Queen and Empress
In 1125, Richenza's husband Lothair was chosen to be the King of the Romans. This was an important step to becoming emperor. Richenza was then crowned queen. Archbishop Frederick I of Cologne performed her coronation.
Richenza was very involved in her husband's rule. For example, she helped during a big disagreement in the church in 1130. She also helped Lothair deal with his rivals. These rivals were from the House of Hohenstaufen family. They included Conrad III and his brother Frederick II.
In 1132 and 1133, Richenza traveled with her husband to Italy. They were crowned emperor and empress on June 4, 1133. This ceremony happened in Rome, at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. Richenza also joined Lothair on another trip to Italy in 1136–37. During this trip, she even led some court hearings. She also signed important documents.
Life as a Widow
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Lothair, Richenza's husband, died in 1137. Richenza quickly worked to make sure her son-in-law, Henry the Proud, would get the lands of Saxony. However, the powerful princes of the Holy Roman Empire met in 1138. They chose Conrad III to be the new King of the Romans.
King Conrad III gave Saxony to a different family, the House of Ascania. Their leader was Albert the Bear. Henry the Proud died soon after, in 1139. Richenza then fought hard for her grandson, Henry the Lion. She made sure he received a good education. She also pushed for his right to inherit the Duchy of Saxony.
Young Henry was finally made Duke in 1142. His mother, Gertrude, ruled as a regent until he was old enough. A regent is someone who rules for a child until they are grown up.
Richenza passed away in 1141. She did not live to see her grandson become duke. She was buried next to her husband, Emperor Lothair. Her son-in-law, Henry the Proud, was also buried there. Their graves are in the Imperial Cathedral at Königslutter. A simple lead crown was found in her grave.
