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Hermann von SalmCount of Salm from 1059, Anti-King of Germany in 1081-1088
Date of Birth: 01.01.1050
Country:  Operator |
Content:
- Early Life and Family
- Anti-King of Germany and Investiture Contest
- Limited Influence and Weakening Position
- Forced Retreat from Saxony and Defeat
- Departure from Germany and Legacy
- Marriage and Children
- Herman II (c. 1075-1136): Count of Salm
Early Life and Family
Herman I, Count of Salm, was born around 1040. He was likely the second son of Giselbert, Count of Luxembourg. His elder brother, Conrad I, inherited the County of Luxembourg upon their father's death in 1059. Herman, on the other hand, inherited the County of Salm.
Anti-King of Germany and Investiture Contest
In the Investiture Contest, Herman I emerged as a vocal opponent of King Henry IV and a staunch supporter of Pope Gregory VII. In 1080, Rudolf of Swabia, the previous anti-king, died during a battle against Henry IV. Herman was elected as the new anti-king on August 6, 1081. He was crowned by Archbishop Sigfried I of Mainz on December 26.
Limited Influence and Weakening Position
Herman's influence was largely confined to Saxony, as his only significant supporters came from Saxon and Swabian nobility. His position further weakened after the death of his ally, Otto of Nordheim, Duke of Bavaria. His attempts to intervene in Italy in support of Pope Gregory VII were hampered by the strong resistance of Henry IV's forces.
Forced Retreat from Saxony and Defeat
In 1085, Henry IV invaded Saxony with his army, forcing Herman to flee to Denmark. However, with the support of Welf IV, Duke of Bavaria, Herman returned and defeated Henry IV at the Battle of Pleichfeld on August 11, 1086. Despite this victory, Herman's influence remained limited.
Departure from Germany and Legacy
In 1088, after his alliance with Saxony fell apart, Herman I left Germany for Lorraine. He died shortly after at Kochheim Castle and was buried in Metz. After his death, Ekbert II, Margrave of Meissen, attempted to continue the fight against Henry IV, but the rebellion was eventually crushed.
Marriage and Children
Herman I was married to Sophia, possibly the daughter of Meginhard IV, Count of Formbach. They had three children:
Herman II (c. 1075-1136): Count of Salm
Otto I (c. 1080-1150): Count Palatine of the RhineDietrich (mentioned in 1095)
