Richeza of Berg facts for kids

Richeza of Berg (Czech: Richenza z Bergu) was a powerful noblewoman born around 1095. She became the Duchess of Bohemia by marrying Duke Vladislav I. She held this important title from 1111 to 1117, and again from 1120 until her death in 1125. Richeza belonged to the Přemyslid dynasty, a very important ruling family in Bohemia.

Her Family and Early Life

Richeza was the daughter of Henry I, Count of Berg, a count from the Duchy of Swabia. Her mother was Adelheid of Mochental. Adelheid's family was from Bavaria. Richeza was named after her great-grandmother, Richwara.

Richeza had two sisters, Sophia and Salomea. These sisters also married into important royal families. Sophia married Otto II the Black, another prince from the Přemyslid family, in 1114. Salomea of Berg married Bolesław III Wrymouth, the Duke of Poland, in 1115. These marriages helped keep peace between Bohemia and Poland.

Life as Duchess

Around 1110 or 1111, Richeza married Vladislav I. He had been the Duke of Bohemia since 1109. As duchess, Richeza was involved in important projects. In 1115, she and Duke Vladislav founded the Benedictine monastery of Kladruby. She also gave gifts to Zwiefalten Abbey in her home region of Swabia.

Towards the end of his life, Duke Vladislav I became very ill. He wanted his cousin, Prince Otto II the Black, to take over as duke. However, Vladislav's mother, Queen Świętosława, convinced him to change his mind. She helped Vladislav make peace with his younger brother, Soběslav.

Later Years and Legacy

When Duke Vladislav died, his brother Soběslav became the new duke. Richeza was disappointed and had to leave Bohemia. She wanted to go to Zwiefalten Abbey, but she died on her journey on September 27, 1125. She was buried at Reichenbach Abbey in Bavaria.

Richeza's eldest son, Vladislav II, later became a very important ruler. He took the throne in Prague after Duke Soběslav died in 1140. Vladislav II became Duke of Bohemia and later even a king!

Her Children

Richeza and Duke Vladislav I had several children:

• Svatava (also known as Luitgarda), who lived until after 1146.
• Vladislav II (born around 1110 – died 1174). He became Duke of Bohemia in 1140 and was crowned King of Bohemia in 1158.
• Děpold I of Jamnitz (died 1167).
• Jindřich (Henry), who lived until after 1169. He was the father of another future duke, Bretislav III.