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Mattias IDuke of Lorraine of the Alsatian dynasty (1139-1176).
Country:
 France |
Content:
- Mathias I, Duke of Lorraine
- Loyalty to the German Empire
- Participation in Crusades and Imperial Campaigns
- Conflict with the Bishop of Toul
- Religious Patronage and Legacy
- Family and Succession
- Simon II (c. 1140 - 1207), Duke of Lorraine (1176 - 1205)
Mathias I, Duke of Lorraine
Early Life and AncestryMathias I was born between 1110 and 1120, the eldest son of Simon I, Duke of Lorraine, and Adelaide, daughter of Henry III, Count of Leuven. As a member of the Alsatian dynasty, he inherited the Duchy of Lorraine in 1139.
Loyalty to the German Empire
Like his predecessors, Mathias maintained a close alliance with the German kings and emperors. He married Bertha, sister of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, further strengthening this bond. His wife, Beatrice, was a niece of Barbarossa, demonstrating the intertwined familial ties of the ruling families.
Participation in Crusades and Imperial Campaigns
Mathias joined King Conrad III on the Second Crusade and accompanied Frederick Barbarossa on his Italian expeditions. He supported the emperor in his conflicts with Popes Adrian IV and Alexander III, as well as against France and Sicily. However, he also faced opposition from several of his vassals and neighbors.
Conflict with the Bishop of Toul
His dispute with the Bishop of Toul over the control of Gondreville on the Moselle led to Mathias being excommunicated by Pope Eugene III in 1153. With Barbarossa's assistance, he eventually prevailed over the bishop and became known as Count of Toul.
Religious Patronage and Legacy
Mathias generously supported the Church and founded several monasteries, including Clairlieu, where he and his wife were buried. He had a close relationship with the Cistercian Order.
Family and Succession
Mathias married Bertha of Hohenstaufen around 1138. They had several children, including:
Simon II (c. 1140 - 1207), Duke of Lorraine (1176 - 1205)
Frederick I (before 1152 - 1207), Duke of Lorraine (1205 - 1206)Judith (1140 -1173), married Stephen II, Count of Auxonne
Alice (1165 - c. 1200), married Hugh III, Duke of Burgundy
Dietrich IV (died 1181), Bishop of Metz
Mathias (died 1208), Count of Toul
