Margarita Maultash Countess of Tyrol from 1335 to 1365, the last ruler of the independent County of Tyrol. According to popular tradition, she is considered the ugliest woman in history. Date of Birth: 01.01.1318 Country: Germany

1. Countess of Tyrol: The Last Ruler
2. Resistance to Invasion
3. Political Alliance and Marriage
4. Papal Conflict and the "Maultasch" Label
5. Peace and Succession
6. Habsburg Pressure and Succession
7. Bavarian Resistance and Austrian Control
8. Legacy

Countess of Tyrol: The Last Ruler

In 1335, Margaret became the Countess of Tyrol, inheriting the title from her father, Henry of Carinthia. As the only daughter of the Goertz-Tyrol dynasty, she held the position until 1365.

Resistance to Invasion

Upon Henry's death, Austria and Bavaria attempted to seize Tyrolean lands, claiming them under earlier treaties. However, Margaret's subjects rallied to her defense, forcing the invaders to retreat.

Political Alliance and Marriage

In 1341, with the support of her nobility, Margaret annulled her marriage to John Henry and wed Louis V, Margrave of Brandenburg. This alliance brought Bavaria into the Tyrolean fold.

Papal Conflict and the "Maultasch" Label

Margaret's controversial second marriage drew the ire of Pope Clement VI, who excommunicated her and gave her the derogatory nickname "Maultasch" ("mouth-purse"). The papal propaganda aimed to discredit Emperor Louis IV, Louis V's father.

Peace and Succession

In 1359, Margaret's excommunication was lifted thanks to the support of the Habsburgs. Her husband became Duke of Bavaria in 1347, bringing Tyrolean and Bavarian affairs closer. Upon Louis V's death in 1361, their son, Meinhard III, became Margaret's co-ruler.

Habsburg Pressure and Succession

As Meinhard III passed away in 1363, Duke Rudolph IV of Austria increased his influence over Tyrolean affairs. Margaret, pressured by the Habsburgs, ceded her lands to Rudolph in 1363.

Bavarian Resistance and Austrian Control

Bavaria opposed the Habsburg takeover but was defeated in 1364. In 1369, Bavaria renounced its claim in exchange for a large sum of money, officially ending Tyrolean independence.

Legacy

Margaret spent her remaining years at the Austrian court, passing away in Vienna in 1369. Despite the legend of her ugliness, portraits depict her with a neutral appearance. Her story, immortalized in literature, art, and even inspired Lewis Carroll's Duchess in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."