Rupert III, Count of Nassau facts for kids

Rupert III 'the Bellicose' of Nassau (died December 23 or 28, 1191) was an important early count of Nassau. He was a strong leader for his country. Rupert made many important government choices. He was also very active in politics. This made him one of the most notable princes of the House of Nassau. He even took part in the Third Crusade.

Life of Rupert III

Coat-of-arms of the counts of Nassau

Nassau Castle, the family's home

Rupert was likely the son of Count Arnold II of Laurenburg. His mother's name is not known.

Rupert is mentioned as a count of Nassau between 1160 and 1190. He ruled alongside his cousin Henry I. Later, he ruled with his other cousin, Walram I.

Rupert as an Advisor

Rupert was a trusted advisor to Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa. He was often found with the Emperor. In 1161 and 1162, he was with the Emperor in Milan. It is thought he was also at the big meeting called the Diet of Pentecost in Mainz.

In 1172, Rupert became a Vogt. A Vogt was like a protector or administrator. He was the Vogt for Schönau Abbey. From 1182, he was also the Vogt of Koblenz. Around 1175, a coin was made with his name, Ruoberdus comes. This coin also called Siegen a civitas, which means a city.

Joining the Third Crusade

Rupert and his cousin Walram joined the Third Crusade. This was a big journey to the Holy Land from 1189 to 1190. In 1190, Rupert was in charge of the fourth army group.

He had a very important job at the start of the journey. In late 1188, Rupert, Walram, and Count Henry of Diez went on a special mission. They were sent to the Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelos. This mission was led by Bishop Herman II of Münster.

The group reached Constantinople, the capital city. But the Byzantine Emperor treated them badly. He even put them in prison. They were set free only when the main crusade army got close. On October 28, 1189, Rupert and his friends rejoined the army. This happened in a place called Philippopolis.

We don't know much about what Rupert did next in the crusade. It seems he stayed until the end of the siege of Akko. He then died on his way back home, at sea. His son, Herman, became count after him.

Family Life

Rupert married Elizabeth of Leiningen in or before 1169. Elizabeth died between 1235 and 1238. After Rupert died, she was known as the Countess of Schowenburg.

Rupert and Elizabeth had two children:

• Herman (died July 16, before 1206). He was Count of Nassau from 1190 to 1192.
• Lucardis (died before 1222). She married Herman III, Count of Virneburg, before February 27, 1204.