Siegfried I the Elder, Count of Walbeck facts for kids

Siegfried I the Elder (Siegfried der Ältere von Walbeck) was an important count in medieval Germany. He was known as the Count of Walbeck and Möckerngau. Siegfried was the son of Lothar II the Old and Mathilde von Arneburg. He died on March 15, 990.

Siegfried's Role as a Count

Siegfried became the Count of Walbeck after his father passed away. A "count" was a powerful noble who ruled a specific area called a "county." Siegfried first appeared in history as a helper to Odo I. Odo was a "margrave," a military leader in charge of a border region.

Fighting in Battles

Siegfried helped Odo in a fight against Mieszko I, who was the Duke of Poland. Siegfried took part in the Battle of Cedynia. This battle was a very tough fight. Siegfried's own son, Thietmar of Merseburg, wrote about it later. Both Siegfried and Odo managed to survive the battle.

Serving the Emperor

In 979, Siegfried and his brothers were chosen for an important job. Emperor Otto II made them regents of the County of Möckerngau. A "regent" is someone who rules when the main leader is away or too young. By 983, Siegfried became the only count in charge of that area. Later that year, he fought with the Saxon army. They were trying to stop a big rebellion by the Slavs against the empire.

His Final Days

In 990, Siegfried supported Empress Theophanu in her war. She was fighting against Boleslaus II, the Duke of Bohemia. While moving to fight against some rebellious people called the Lutici, Siegfried had an accident. He fell from his horse and died on March 15, 990.

Family and Children

Siegfried married a woman named Kunigunde von Stade. She was the daughter of Henry I the Bald. Siegfried and Kunigunde had five sons together:

• Henry, who later became the Count of Walbeck. He died in battle in 1004.
• Friedrick, who also became a Count of Walbeck.
• Thietmar, who became a Bishop of Merseburg. A "bishop" is a high-ranking church leader.
• Siegfried of Walbeck, who became the Bishop of Münster from 1022 to 1032.
• Bruno of Walbeck, who became the Bishop of Verden from 1034 to 1049.

After Siegfried I the Elder died, his son Henry took over as the Count of Walbeck.