Sophia of Hungary facts for kids

Sophia of Hungary was a princess from the royal Árpád dynasty. She was born around 1050 and passed away on June 18, 1095. Through her marriages, she held important titles. She was a Margravine of Istria and Carniola from about 1062 to 1070. Later, she became the Duchess of Saxony in 1072, a title she held until her death.

Sophia's Early Life

Sophia was the daughter of King Béla I of Hungary and Richeza of Poland. Her father, Béla, was a ruler in a region called Nitra when Sophia was born. He had to leave Hungary for a while because of family disagreements with his brother, King Andrew I.

Béla went to Poland for help. In 1060, he returned to Hungary with support from Poland. He then became the king.

Sophia's Marriages and Titles

Sophia was first engaged to a nobleman named William of Meissen. He was sent to Hungary by Empress Agnes of Poitou with an army. King Béla arrested William, but he admired his bravery. Sadly, William died in 1062 before they could marry.

Sophia then married William's nephew, Ulric I, Margrave of Carniola. Ulric was a strong supporter of the German royal family. He used his good connections with the Hungarian king to expand his lands in Istria. He gained more land along the Adriatic coast. These lands were later called the Duchy of Merania. King Henry IV of Germany officially approved Ulric's land ownership.

After Ulric passed away in 1070, Sophia married Magnus (who died in 1106). Magnus was a prince from the Billung family and the son of Duke Ordulf of Saxony. Magnus was involved in a rebellion in Saxony. He was arrested by King Henry IV's forces. Even when he became Duke in 1072, he remained a prisoner.

Magnus was finally released in August 1073 during the Saxon Rebellion. He later took part in another big rebellion, but eventually made peace with King Henry.

Sophia's Children

Sophia had several children from her two marriages.

Children with Ulric I

From her first marriage with Ulric, Sophia had these children:

• Ulric II, Margrave of Carniola (died 1112): He married Adelaide of Thuringia.
• Poppo II, Margrave of Carniola (died 1098): He married Richgard.
• Richardis: She married Count Otto II of Scheyern.
• Adelaide (died 1122): She married Frederick II of Diessen first. Later, she married Count Udalschalk of Lurngau.
• Walburga

Children with Magnus

From her second marriage with Magnus, Sophia had two daughters:

• Wulfhilde (died December 29, 1126): She married Duke Henry IX "the Black" of Bavaria.
• Eilika (died January 18, 1142): She married Count Otto of Ballenstedt. He later became Duke of Saxony in 1122.

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