Friedrich IIIAnti-king of Germany (from 1314) and Duke of Austria (from 1308, under the name Frederick I) from the Habsburg dynasty.
Country: Germany
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Content:
- Early Life and Rise to Power
- Conflict with Ludwig IV
- Anti-Kingship
- Battle of Mühldorf and Imprisonment
- Return to Power
- Co-Rule with Ludwig IV
- Later Years
- Legacy
- Marriage and Children
- Friedrich (1316-1322)
Early Life and Rise to Power
Friedrich I, also known as Anti-King of Germany, emerged as a powerful figure in the 14th century. Born around 1314 as the second son of King Albrecht I of Germany, Friedrich inherited the Duchy of Austria in 1308, sharing power with his younger brother Leopold I.
Conflict with Ludwig IV
Friedrich's early friendship with his cousin Ludwig IV of Bavaria soured in the 1310s when he sought guardianship over young dukes in Lower Bavaria. In 1313, his forces were defeated by Ludwig IV at the Battle of Gammelsdorf.
Anti-Kingship
Following the death of Emperor Henry VII in 1313, Friedrich aspired to the imperial throne. Supported by some German princes, he faced opposition from Archbishop of Mainz, who favored Ludwig IV as king. In October 1314, Ludwig IV was elected and swiftly crowned, leading to a protracted war between the two rivals.
Battle of Mühldorf and Imprisonment
Friedrich's ambitions were dashed in 1322 when his army was decisively defeated at the Battle of Mühldorf. Captured along with over 1,300 nobles, he was imprisoned by Ludwig IV in Trausnitz Castle.
Return to Power
Friedrich's release in 1325 came with an agreement to abandon his claims to the German throne. However, his brother Leopold I continued resistance, enlisting the support of the King of Bohemia and the Pope.
Co-Rule with Ludwig IV
In 1326, under pressure from the Pope and German princes, Ludwig IV and Friedrich III signed the Treaty of Ulm. Friedrich became King and ruler of Germany, while Ludwig IV was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in Italy.
Later Years
After Leopold I's death in 1326, Friedrich retired from ruling Germany and returned to his ancestral lands. In 1330, he died at Gutenstein Castle in the Vienna Woods and was later buried in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna.
Legacy
Friedrich's story of chivalrous return to captivity inspired poets such as Schiller and Uhland. His reign marked a significant period in Austrian and German history, shaping the political landscape for years to come.
Marriage and Children
In 1315, Friedrich married Isabella of Aragon. They had three children:
Friedrich (1316-1322)
Elizabeth (1317-1336)Anna (1318-1343), who married Henry II, Duke of Lower Bavaria, and later Johann Heinrich IV, Count of Gorizia