Ulric I, Margrave of Carniola facts for kids
Ulric I (also known as Ulrich or Udalrich) was an important count and ruler in the 11th century. He was the Count of Weimar-Orlamünde. From 1045 until his death in 1070, he held the title of margrave in two areas: Carniola and Istria. A margrave was a powerful noble who ruled a border region, often protecting the main kingdom from outside threats.
Ulric's Early Life and Family
Ulric was the son of Poppo I, who was also a margrave of Carniola. His mother was Hadamut. She was the daughter of Count Werigand, a ruler from the areas of Friuli and Istria. Ulric took over his father's important role after Poppo I passed away, sometime before the year 1044.
Ulric's Marriage and Children
Ulric married a woman named Sophia. She was the daughter of King Béla I of Hungary. Sophia had been engaged to another noble, William of Meissen, but he died early. So, she married Ulric instead.
Ulric and Sophia had several children:
- Poppo II: He became margrave of Carniola after Ulric. He also became margrave of Istria later on.
- Ulric II: He took over as margrave after his brother Poppo II.
- Richgard: She married a count named Eckhard I or his brother Otto II.
- Adelaide: She married twice. First to Frederick, and then to Udalschalk.
- Walburga
Ulric's Rule and Power
Ulric was a very loyal supporter of the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry IV. This loyalty helped him gain more power and land. King Henry IV even gave Ulric land in Istria in 1064. He also gave land in Istria to the church in Freising in 1067, noting it was in Ulric's territory.
Ulric was known as "Ulric, margrave of the Carinthians" when he died. With the support of his family in Hungary, Ulric was able to make his territory bigger. He expanded his margraviate all the way down to the city of Fiume (modern-day Rijeka). He did this even though powerful groups like the Patriarchs of Aquileia and the Republic of Venice tried to stop him.
