Welf II, Duke of Bavaria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Welf II
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| Duke of Bavaria | |
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| Born | 1072 |
| Died | 24 September 1120 Kaufering |
| Noble family | House of Welf |
| Spouse(s) | Matilda of Tuscany |
| Father | Welf I, Duke of Bavaria |
| Mother | Judith of Flanders |
Welf II was an important leader in medieval Germany. He was also known as Welf V in his family's history. People sometimes called him 'Welf the Fat'. He was the Duke of Bavaria from 1101 until he passed away in 1120.
Early Life and Marriage
Welf II was born in 1072. He was the oldest son of Welf I, Duke of Bavaria. His mother was Judith of Flanders.
When Welf was a teenager, around 1088 or 1089, he got married. His wife was Matilda of Tuscany. She was more than 20 years older than him. This marriage was important. It helped his family become stronger allies with the Pope. This was during a big disagreement between the king and the Pope. This disagreement was called the Investiture Controversy.
In 1090, King Henry IV went on a military trip to Italy. Welf and Matilda fought against the King during this time.
Political Changes
After April 1095, Welf and Matilda separated. It is not fully clear why they split up. It's possible Welf left Matilda. He might have found out she planned to give her lands to the Pope. This meant he would not inherit them.
Welf then changed sides. He joined forces with King Henry IV. His father, Welf I, also joined the King. This change might have been because the King promised Welf II he would become Duke of Bavaria after his father.
Duke of Bavaria
In 1101, Welf's father passed away. Welf then became the Duke of Bavaria. He continued to be an ally of the German kings.
Even though Welf and Matilda were separated, they remained married. She passed away in 1115. Welf did not marry again after her death. He also did not have any children.
Welf II died in 1120 in Kaufering. He was buried at Weingarten Abbey. His younger brother, Henry IX, became the next Duke of Bavaria.
