Thankmar facts for kids

The death of Thankmar

Thankmar (also known as Tammo) was born around 908 AD. He was the oldest son of Henry I of Germany, who was a king. Thankmar's mother was named Hatheburg of Merseburg. Before she married Henry, she had been married before and then joined a convent. Because she left the convent to marry Henry, their marriage was not considered proper by the church. This meant there were questions about whether Thankmar was a legitimate heir.

Who Was Thankmar?

Thankmar was an important figure in early German history. He was the first son of King Henry I. His life was full of changes and challenges. He was involved in the politics of his time.

Family and Early Life

Thankmar's father, Henry I, was a powerful ruler. Henry I was known as "the Fowler." Thankmar had three younger half-brothers. These brothers were Otto, Henry, and Bruno. Otto later became a very famous emperor. Thankmar's early life was likely spent learning about noble duties. He grew up in a time when kings ruled large lands.

A King's Plan for the Future

In 929, King Henry I made plans for who would rule after him. He wanted to make sure his kingdom stayed strong. He gathered important leaders at a meeting in Erfurt. They agreed to his plans. Soon after, King Henry I passed away.

His lands and wealth were then divided. They went to his four sons. However, Otto was chosen by his father to become the next king. There was a small disagreement about this. Otto's younger brother Henry was kept in Bavaria during Otto's coronation.

The Fight for Merseburg

In 937, Thankmar's cousin, Siegfried, Count of Merseburg, died. Thankmar felt he should inherit Merseburg. It was a very important area. He was related to Siegfried through his mother's family.

However, King Otto I decided differently. Otto gave Merseburg to Gero. Gero was Siegfried's brother. This decision made Thankmar very unhappy.

The Rebellion and His End

Because of this disagreement, Thankmar joined a rebellion. He teamed up with other powerful nobles. These included Eberhard of Franconia and Wichmann the Elder. They were also unhappy with King Otto.

Thankmar and his allies fought against Otto. Eventually, Thankmar was surrounded in a place called Eresburg. He sought safety inside the church of Saint Peter. Sadly, he was killed there. A spear was thrown through a window of the church. Thankmar died on July 28, 938.

Sources

• Reuter, Timothy. Germany in the Early Middle Ages 800–1056. New York: Longman, 1991.
• Bernhardt, John W. Itinerant Kingship and Royal Monasteries in Early Medieval Germany, c. 936–1075. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.