Hedwig of Brandenburg

Hedwig of Ballenstedt (* 1140, † the end of March 1203) was Margrave of Meissen.

Life

Hedwig was born in 1140 as the daughter of Albert I of Brandenburg and the Sophia of Winzenburg. At the age of about 15 years, she was probably married for political reasons with Otto the Rich from the House of Wettin.

Work

The knowledge of Hedwig's work are very rare. However, it is known that they were the impetus for the founding of the monastery Altzelle in 1162. This should be backed up the Meissen Margrave the advocacies on the location of their grave lay dead and their memory. Due to its location Altzella was also an important base for the development of settlements in Meissen. Hedwig was generally a strong woman who exerted a significant influence on her husband. She even said to have influenced the succession in the Margraviate of Meissen, so that her husband did not want to be held, as usual, insert the eldest son Albrecht as his successor, but the youngest son Dietrich. This led then from 1189 to violent clashes between the Father and the firstborn in the course of Albrecht 's father even took prisoner.

Death

Hedwig died in late March 1203 and († 1190 ) was born on April 1, 1203 in Altzella monastery buried at the side of her husband.

Progeny

• Albrecht I. ( Meissen ) ( 1158-1195 ), ∞ Sophie of Bohemia
• Adelheid of Meissen (1160-1211), ∞ Přemysl Otakar I, King of Bohemia
• Dietrich ( Meissen ) ( 1162-1221 ), ∞ Jutta of Thuringia
• Sophie, ∞ Udalrich II ( Moravia ), Duke of Moravia