Berthold I Duke of Carinthia and Margrave of Verona in 1061–1076 Date of Birth: 01.01.1000 Country: Dive

Content:

1. Berthold I of Zähringen
2. Early Life and Imperial Favor
3. Carinthian and Veronese Troubles
4. Foundation of the Zähringen Dynasty
5. Legacy
6. Marriage and Children
7. Gebhard III (d. 1110), Bishop of Constance

Berthold I of Zähringen

Duke of Carinthia and Margrave of Verona (1061-1076)

Berthold I, also known as Berthold II, was the founder of the Zähringen dynasty that ruled Baden until 1918. He was the son of Count Betzelin of Villingen in Ortenau and likely descended from the House of Staufen, rulers of Ortenau, Thurgau, Breisgau, and Baar.

Early Life and Imperial Favor

Berthold was a close advisor to Emperor Henry III, who promised him the Duchy of Swabia. However, after the emperor's death in 1056, Swabia was given to Rudolf of Rheinfelden. As compensation, Berthold received Carinthia and the Veronese March.

Carinthian and Veronese Troubles

Berthold's claims to Carinthia were not recognized by the local aristocracy, led by Marquart III of Eppenstein, a powerful magnate. In Verona, he also faced resistance. Emperor Henry IV, who favored the rival Hohenstaufen house, posed a threat to Berthold's territorial interests.

Foundation of the Zähringen Dynasty

Despite these setbacks, Berthold succeeded in maintaining his position in southwestern Germany and establishing the Zähringen dynasty. Although he was forced to relinquish Carinthia around 1076, his sons retained Verona, Zähringen, and lands in Breisgau.

Legacy

Berthold I died at Limburg Castle in what is now the town of Weilheim an der Teck. Asteroid (420) Bertholda, discovered in 1896, is named in his honor.

Marriage and Children

Berthold had two wives:
Richwara of Swabia, mother of:

Hermann I (c. 1040-1074), Margrave of Verona and founder of the Margraviate of Baden

Gebhard III (d. 1110), Bishop of Constance

Berthold II (d. 1111), Duke of Zähringen
Luitgard (d. c. 1119)
Richenza

Beatrice de Montbéliard (d. 1092), daughter of Louis II, Count of Montbéliard and Ferrette

Statesmen

Dumitrascu Cantacuzino	Gagyk Mheyan	Francisco Garcia Calderon
Abdel Amer	Irina Bokova	Beatrice Castile