Rudolf I, Margrave of Baden-Baden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rudolf I, Margrave of Baden |
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| Spouse(s) | Kunigunde of Eberstein |
| Noble family | House of Zähringen |
| Father | Herman V, Margrave of Baden-Baden |
| Mother | Countess Palatine Irmengard of the Rhine |
| Born | 1230 |
| Died | 19 November 1288 Alt Eberstein Castle |
| Burial | Lichtenthal Abbey |
Rudolf I, Margrave of Baden (born in 1230 – died November 19, 1288) was an important ruler in the region of Baden in Germany. He first served as a helper, or Regent, for another ruler named Frederick I from 1250 to 1267. After that, he became the main ruler, or Margrave, of Baden from 1268 until he passed away in 1288.
Rudolf was the son of Herman V and Irmengard. His mother was the daughter of Henry V, Count Palatine of the Rhine. Rudolf first shared the rule of Baden with his brother, Herman VI. But when Herman VI married into the royal family of Austria, Rudolf I became the only ruler of Baden-Baden.
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Building Castles and Expanding Land
Rudolf I married Kunigunde of Eberstein in 1257. Her family, the Ebersteins, were able to help Rudolf get money. They even gave half of their castle to him. Later, in 1283, Otto II of Eberstein sold the other half of Old Eberstein Castle to Rudolf I. This castle became a main home for the rulers of Baden in the 1300s.
Rudolf I also started building Hohenbaden Castle in 1250. This shows how important castles were for protecting land and showing power during his time.
Important Decisions and Conflicts
Rudolf I made some big decisions during his rule. On August 23, 1258, he asked King Richard of Cornwall to give the city of Steinbach its own special rules, called a charter. This helped the city grow and become more independent.
He also bought more land for Baden. The Lords of Weissenstein sold their castle Liebeneck and the village of Würm to Rudolf.
Rudolf I had disagreements with other powerful families, like the Counts of Württemberg and the Bishops of Strassburg. These arguments were often about who could collect money from people using the Rhine river for trade. Luckily, the conflict with Württemberg ended peacefully later on. This happened because one of Rudolf's sons married into the Württemberg family, bringing the two families closer.
A Ruler Who Loved Art
Rudolf I was known for more than just fighting and ruling. He built many churches and abbeys, which are like monasteries. He also loved art and a type of medieval German song called Minnesang. Because of his kind heart and love for the arts, a writer named Beppo of Basel praised Rudolf as a good and caring leader.
Rudolf I was buried in Lichtenthal Abbey, a place he likely helped build or support.
Rudolf's Family and Children
Rudolf I married Kunigunde of Eberstein on May 20, 1257. Kunigunde was born in 1230 and passed away between 1284 and 1290 in Lichtental. She was the daughter of Count Otto of Eberstein.
Rudolf and Kunigunde had several children:
- Herman VII (1266 – July 12, 1291)
- Rudolf II (died February 14, 1295)
- Hesso (1268 – February 14, 1295)
- Rudolf III (died February 2, 1332)
- Kunigunde (1265 – July 22, 1310), who married Count Frederick VI of Zollern in 1291.
- Adelheid (died August 18, 1295); she became the Abbess of Lichtenthal Abbey.
- Kunigunde (died between 1310 and 1315); she married Count Rudolf II of Wertheim in 1293.
- Irmengard (1270 – February 8, 1320); she married Count Eberhard I of Württemberg in 1296.
