Rupert I, Elector Palatine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rupert I "the Red" |
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Rupert I, Elector Palatine, with his wives.
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| Elector Palatine | |
| Reign | 10 January 1356 – 16 February 1390 |
| Predecessor | New title |
| Successor | Rupert II |
| Born | 9 June 1309 Wolfratshausen |
| Died | 16 February 1390 (aged 80) Neustadt an der Weinstraße |
| Spouse | Elisabeth, Countess of Namur Beatrix of Jülich-Berg |
| House | House of Wittelsbach |
| Father | Rudolf I, Duke of Bavaria |
| Mother | Mechtild of Nassau |
Rupert I "the Red" was an important ruler in a part of Germany called the Palatinate. He was born on June 9, 1309, in Wolfratshausen. He died on February 16, 1390, in Neustadt an der Weinstraße.
Rupert was known as the Count Palatine of the Rhine from 1353 to 1356. After that, he became the Elector Palatine. He held this powerful title from January 10, 1356, until his death in 1390.
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Early Life and Family
Rupert I was the son of Rudolf I, Duke of Bavaria. His mother was Mechtild of Nassau. Mechtild's father was Adolf of Nassau-Weilburg, who was once the King of Germany.
Rupert had an older brother named Rudolf II. For a while, they shared the rule of their lands. But when Rudolf II died in 1353, Rupert became the sole ruler. He took over all the family's territories.
Becoming an Elector
A very important event happened in 1356. This was when the Golden Bull of 1356 was issued. This special law gave the Palatinate a new, very important right. It allowed the ruler of the Palatinate to help choose the Holy Roman Emperor. This made Rupert I one of the most powerful princes in the Holy Roman Empire. His title, Elector Palatine, meant he was one of the "electors" who voted for the Emperor.
Founding Heidelberg University
Rupert I is most famous for something amazing he did in 1386. He founded Heidelberg University. This was a huge achievement for his time. It was only the third university ever established in the entire Holy Roman Empire. The university was named after the city of Heidelberg, which was part of Rupert's lands. Today, Heidelberg University is one of the oldest and most famous universities in Germany.
Marriages and Successor
Rupert I was married two times during his life. His first wife was Elisabeth, Countess of Namur. She was the daughter of John I, Marquis of Namur. After Elisabeth passed away, Rupert married Beatrix of Jülich-Berg. Interestingly, Beatrix was the great-granddaughter of Rupert's elder brother, Adolf, Count Palatine of the Rhine.
Neither of Rupert's marriages resulted in him having children who could inherit his title. Because he had no direct heirs, his nephew became his successor. This was Rupert II, Elector Palatine. Rupert II was also the grandfather of Rupert I's second wife, Beatrix.
