Dedo I
- Childhood and Early Career
- Rebellion and Loyalty
- Acquisitions and Alliances
- Conflict with Walbeck
- Assassination and Legacy
- Marriage and Family
- Theodoric (died before 1004)
Childhood and Early Career
Dedi was born into a noble family in Gassegau, Saxony. He was the son of Dietrich I, Count of Gassegau, and Imma. As a child, he lived with his uncle, the powerful Margrave of Meissen, Merseburg, and Zeitz, who played a significant role in East Saxony.
Rebellion and Loyalty
In his youth, Dedi joined the rebellious Duke Henry II of Bavaria against Emperor Otto II. In 976, he seized Zeitz with an army from Bohemia, ransacking the Bishop's Church and taking his mother as a "captive." However, after Otto II's death in 983, Dedi switched his allegiance to Otto III.
Acquisitions and Alliances
Dedi developed a close relationship with Bishop Giselher of Merseburg. After the death of Margrave Binizzo, Dedi acquired part of the Merseburg county, located in northern Gassegau. He also gained possession of the fortress of Zorbig with his younger brother, Frederick.
Conflict with Walbeck
Dedi's later years were marked by conflicts with the Counts of Walbeck. He had initially laid claim to the Northern Mark after the death of his father-in-law, Margrave Dietrich von Haldensleben, but Emperor Otto III appointed Lothar III of Walbeck instead. After Lothar's death in 1003, his son Werner inherited the Northern Mark.
Assassination and Legacy
Dedi slandered Werner before Emperor Henry II, but Werner's illness prevented any immediate action against him. In July, Werner ambushed Dedi near the village of Mosen, killing him. Dedi's possessions were inherited by his brother, Frederick I of Wettin.
Marriage and Family
Dedi was married to Thietburga (Tietberga) von Haldensleben, daughter of Margrave Dietrich von Haldensleben. Their children included:
Theodoric (died before 1004)
Frederick I (died 1018), Count of EilenburgAgnes (died 1036), Abbess of Gernrode
Oda (died 1023), married Count Siegfried II of Guise
