Berthold II Duke of Swabia from 1092 to 1099 Date of Birth: 01.01.1050 Country: Dive

1. Early Years and Allegiance to Rudolf
2. Marriage and Support of Berthold I of Rheinfelden
3. Expansion of Zähringen Influence
4. Claim to the Duchy of Swabia and Election as Duke
5. Peace Treaty and Agreement with Frederick
6. Support for Henry V and the Title of "Duke of Zähringen"
7. Marriage

Early Years and Allegiance to Rudolf

Berthold II Zähringen, born to Berthold II of Carinthia, allied himself with anti-king Rudolf of Rheinfelden in his struggle against Emperor Henry IV. As a result, both Berthold II and Rudolf were stripped of their titles and possessions in 1077. Berthold II, who died in 1078, passed his claims, including the Duchy of Swabia, to his son.

Marriage and Support of Berthold I of Rheinfelden

In 1079, Berthold II married Agnes, daughter of Rudolf of Rheinfelden. He became a staunch supporter of Berthold I of Rheinfelden, Duke of Swabia, in his opposition to the king. Berthold II engaged in conflicts with the emperor's appointee, Duke Frederick of Büren, and the bishops of Basel and Strasbourg. However, at times, papal and imperial supporters reached compromises, such as the exchange of lands between Berthold II and the Bishop of Basel in 1087.

Expansion of Zähringen Influence

From 1090 onwards, Berthold II extended his power in Breisgau, aiming to free Zähringen territory from the control of the Dukes of Swabia. In 1091, he built Zähringen Castle near Freiburg in Breisgau.

Claim to the Duchy of Swabia and Election as Duke

In 1090, the death of Berthold I of Rheinfelden presented Berthold II Zähringen with an opportunity. He claimed the Rheinfelden domains in Burgundy and the title of Duke of Swabia. Supported by the Welfs and the papacy, he was elected duke in opposition to Frederick in 1092. That same year, he was also proclaimed Duke of Carinthia and Margrave of Verona by Henry III's opponents. However, like his father, Berthold II never truly held actual power in Carinthia.

Peace Treaty and Agreement with Frederick

In 1093, Berthold II and Welf IV signed the "oath of peace" at Ulm. Its scope was initially limited to Swabia but was later extended to Bavaria and anti-imperial southern Germany. Around 1098, Berthold II and Frederick reached an agreement whereby Frederick was recognized as Duke of Swabia, while Berthold II retained his ducal title and the lands around Zurich. This move improved relations between the Zähringers and Henry IV.

Support for Henry V and the Title of "Duke of Zähringen"

In 1105, Berthold II supported Henry IV's son, Henry V, in his rebellion against his father. From 1100 onwards, Berthold II was the first of the Zähringers to bear the title "Duke of Zähringen."

Marriage

Berthold II was married to Agnes, daughter of Rudolf of Rheinfelden, from 1177/1179.