Leopold of Styria

Leopold I of Styria
Margrave of Styria
PredecessorOttokar II
SuccessorOttokar III
DiedOctober 1129
Burial
Rein Abbey, Austria
SpouseSophie of Austria
HouseTraungauer
FatherOttokar II
MotherElisabeth of Austria

Leopold I of Styria, known as "the Brave"[1] or "the Strong",[1] served as the Margrave of Styria from 1122 until his death in 1129.[1]

Origin and family

Margrave Leopold I of Syria belonged to the House of Traungauer, a cadet branch stemming from the House of Otakar. He was born to Margrave Otakar II of Styria and Elisabeth of Austria. Leopold I entered into matrimony with Sophie, the widowed spouse of Duke Berthold III of Zähringen. They together had three children: Elisabeth, Margarethe, and their son and heir, Margrave Otakar III of Styria.[1]

Life

Leopold was actively involved in the governance of the realm during his father's reign, often referred to as "junior margrave" in historical documents. Following the death of his father, Otakar II of Styria, in 1122, Leopold inherited the title of Margrave of Styria,[1] a pivotal moment often regarded as the "birth of Styria." He embarked on an ambitious endeavor to establish new municipalities and cities, contributing to the growth and development of the region.Leopold's attention also turned towards expanding his influence into territories held by the House of Eppenstein in Carinthia. Through diplomatic maneuvering and military campaigns, he successfully acquired key regions such as "Mark an der Mur," previously under Carinthian control.Furthermore, Leopold sought to integrate additional territories into his margraviate, including the Margrave in Ennstal and the City of Leoben.[2] Together he and his heir, he expanded the territorial reach of Styria, extending as far as Semmering.[3] Following the passing of Leopold I of Styria in October 1129, Sophie assumed regency over Styria for an extended period due to the young age of his son Margrave Ottokar III of Stryia, who was just 4 years old at the time of Leopold's demise.

Leopold (left, in red clothes), Margrave of Styria

Achievements

Leopold I of Styria, as the Margrave of Styria, built and founded numerous cities during his reign. Among the most notable are:

  • Hartberg - Leopold I of Styria founded "Hartberg" in 1122.[4]
  • Graz - Leopold I of Styria granted a portion of Graz to the Lords of Wildon, entrusting them with the city's security.[5]
  • Gratwein-Straßengel - Rein Abbey was established by Leopold I around 1128 or 1129, with his burial within its walls following his passing. Although Leopold I did not witness the physical construction, as it began after his demise, his wife Sophie played a pivotal role in overseeing its realization.[6]
  • Steyr - Leopold I played a role in founding the Benedictine abbey.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Dopsch, Heinz (1980). "Die steirischen Otakare" (PDF).
  2. ^ "Restaurierung von Stift Rein nahe Graz nach zehn Jahren abgeschlossen". DER STANDARD (in Austrian German). Retrieved 2024-02-18.
  3. ^ Dopsch, Heinz (2001). Die Länder und das Reich. Der Ostalpenraum im Hochmittelalter. Österreichische Geschichte 1122-1278 (in German). Wien Ueberreuter. ISBN 9783800035250.
  4. ^ "Hartberg in der Oststeiermark: Kleine historische Stadt" (in German). Retrieved 2024-02-18.
  5. ^ Biographie, Deutsche. "Wildon - Deutsche Biographie". www.deutsche-biographie.de (in German). Retrieved 2024-02-18.
  6. ^ "Geschichte - Stift Rein" (in German). Retrieved 2024-02-18.
  7. ^ Steyr-Gleink, Pfarrgemeinde. "Die Geschichte der Pfarrgemeinde Steyr-Gleink". www.dioezese-linz.at (in German). Retrieved 2024-02-18.
Preceded by Margrave of Styria
1122–1129 		Succeeded by
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