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Otakar IVMargrave (since 1164) and Duke (since 1180) of Styria from the Traungau dynasty
Date of Birth: 19.08.1163
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Ottokar IV, Duke of Styria
- Styria's Alignment and Conflicts
- Elevation to Duchy
- Prosperity and Cities
- Succession and Legacy
Ottokar IV, Duke of Styria
Early Life and AccessionOttokar IV was born in 1163 as the son of Ottokar III, Margrave of Styria, and Kunigunde of Vohburg. At the age of one, he inherited the Styrian throne under the regency of his mother.
Styria's Alignment and Conflicts
Kunigunde's Bavarian ancestry influenced Styria's orientation towards the Pope and alliances with Hungary and Bohemia against Austria and Carinthia. In 1173-1174, Styria successfully defended itself against border conflicts with Austria and Carinthia.
Elevation to Duchy
After Emperor Frederick Barbarossa deposed Henry the Lion, Duke of Bavaria, in 1180, Styria gained Upper Austria and was declared a duchy. This elevation confirmed Styria's independence and equal status with neighboring duchies.
Prosperity and Cities
Under Ottokar IV, Styria experienced a flourishing economy with agricultural advancements, mining, and salt production. Cities such as Graz, Steyr, Enns, and Maribor grew and received trade privileges from the duke.
Succession and Legacy
Ottokar IV remained unmarried and had no heirs. In 1186, he signed the Sankt Georgenberg Treaty with Leopold V, Duke of Austria, establishing a perpetual union between Austria and Styria under the House of Babenberg. Styria's independence ended with Ottokar IV's death in 1192, and it became part of Austrian lands.
