Rudolph I of Burgundy facts for kids

Rudolph I (born around 859, died 25 October 912) was a powerful ruler. He became the King of Upper Burgundy in 888 and ruled until his death.

Early Life and Family

Rudolph I was a member of the important Elder House of Welf family. His father was Conrad, Count of Auxerre, and his mother was Waldrada of Worms.

From his father, Rudolph inherited control over the Abbey of Saint-Maurice d'Agaune. This made him a very powerful noble, or magnate, in the region of Upper Burgundy. This area is now parts of Western Switzerland and Franche-Comté in France.

Becoming King

In 888, a king named Charles the Fat was removed from power and then died. After this, the important nobles and church leaders of Upper Burgundy met. They gathered at Saint-Maurice and chose Rudolph to be their new king.

Rudolph then tried to claim a larger area called Lotharingia, which included parts of modern-day Lorraine and Alsace. However, Arnulf of Carinthia, the new king of East Francia, disagreed. Arnulf quickly forced Rudolph to give up his claim to Lotharingia. In return, Arnulf recognized Rudolph as the rightful King of Upper Burgundy. Even so, Rudolph and Arnulf continued to have small conflicts until about 894.

Family and Successors

Rudolph I had good relationships with his other neighbors. His sister or niece, Adelaide, married Richard the Justiciar. Richard was the Duke of Burgundy, which was a different area in West Francia.

Rudolph I had at least four children:

• Rudolph II, King of Burgundy
• Adelaide, who married Louis the Blind of Provence (a region in Lower Burgundy)
• Willa, who married Boso of Tuscany
• Waldrada, who married Boniface I of Spoleto

Rudolph I was followed as king by his son, Rudolph II. After Rudolph I died, his wife, queen Guilla, married Hugh of Arles in 912.

It's important not to confuse Rudolph I with his nephew, Rudolph of France. That Rudolph was later the second duke of Burgundy and the ninth king of France.