Swanehilde of Saxony facts for kids

Swanehilde of Saxony was an important noblewoman who lived a long time ago, from about 945 to 1014. She was known as the Margravine of Meissen. A Margravine was like a powerful countess who ruled a special border area called a "march." Swanehilde held this important role during two periods: from 970 to 979, and again from before 1000 until her death in 1014.

Family tree of Hermann Billung, showing Swanehilde ('Suanhild') of Saxony

Her Early Life

Swanehilde was born sometime between the years 945 and 955. Her father was Herman, Duke of Saxony, who was a very powerful leader. He was also a Margrave, ruling a region known as the Billung March. Her mother's name was Oda.

First Marriage

In the year 970, Swanehilde married Thietmar I. He was also a Margrave, ruling the area of Meissen. They had one child together:

• Gero II (born between 970 and 975, died in 1015). Gero also became a powerful leader, a Margrave, and sadly died in a battle against the Poles.

Second Marriage

After Thietmar I passed away in 979, Swanehilde married again. Her second husband was Ekkehard I, who also became the Margrave of Meissen. Sadly, Ekkehard I was murdered on April 30, 1002.

Swanehilde and Ekkehard I had seven children together:

1. Liutgard (died 1012), who married Margrave Werner.
2. Herman I, Margrave of Meissen (died 1038), who married Regelinda, a daughter of King Bolesław I Chrobry of Poland.
3. Eckard II, Margrave of Meissen (died January 24, 1046), who married Uta, the sister of Count Esico of Ballenstedt.
4. Gunther (died 1025), who became an Archbishop in Salzburg.
5. Eilward (died 1023), who became the Bishop of Meissen.
6. Matilda, who married Dietrich II, Margrave of Lower Lusatia.
7. Oda (died after 1018), who married King Bolesław I Chrobry of Poland.

Later Life and Burial

Swanehilde lived until November 26, 1014. She was first buried in a monastery in Jena. Later, after the year 1028, her body was moved and reburied in the Church of St. George in Naumburg.