Thachulf, Duke of Thuringia facts for kids

Thacholf (also spelled Thachulf, Thaculf, or Thakulf) was an important leader in a region called Thuringia. He was known as the Duke of Thuringia from the year 849 until he died on August 1, 873. A duke was a powerful ruler, like a governor, in charge of a large area. He also held the title of count, which was another important leader role. Thacholf ruled over a "march," which was a border area, often needing military protection. Some historians believe his father was Hadulf, and his grandfather was Thankulf.

Thacholf's Role as a Border Commander

In 849, Thacholf was put in charge of the Sorbian March. This was a border region near the Sorbs, a Slavic people. His title was dux Sorabici limitis, which meant he was the military commander. He was in charge of other counts who had lands next to the Sorbs.

A Difficult Peace Offer

Thacholf knew a lot about the customs of the Slavic people. Because of this, the Sorbs asked him for help. They offered to give him hostages, which was a way to show they wanted peace. They wanted protection from Ernest, the Duke of Bavaria, who was making war.

However, Thacholf had been hurt in a battle the day before the Sorbian messengers arrived. He could not help them directly. He hid his injury from the Sorbian delegates. He then sent his own men to other Frankish army leaders. He suggested they make peace with the Sorbs.

But the other generals thought Thacholf was trying to take over the army. They ignored his suggestions and went to war anyway. They were badly defeated in the fighting.

Campaigns and Rebellions

In 858, a big meeting called a Reichstag was held in Frankfurt. King Louis the German led this meeting. They decided to send three armies to the eastern borders. The goal was to make sure the Slavic tribes obeyed them.

Eastern Border Expeditions

• Carloman was sent to fight against Great Moravia.
• Louis the Younger went against the Obodrites and the Linonen.
• Thacholf was sent to deal with the Sorbs, who were not obeying him.

The armies of Carloman and Louis started their campaigns in July. It is not clear if Thacholf ever went on his campaign. The Sorbs started a rebellion later that year. They did not seem to be causing trouble before that. This makes some historians think the old records might be wrong about when Thacholf was told to send his army.

Thacholf's Death and Its Aftermath

Thacholf died in the summer of 873. His death immediately led to a rebellion. The Sorbs, the Siusli, and their neighbors all rose up. This rebellion was very serious. It was not stopped until January 874. Liutbert and Radulf, who took over as Duke after Thacholf, had to lead a campaign to put down the revolt.