Bavaria was the only one of the four original provinces of Germany to maintain an autonomous existence within part of its original territory throughout the medieval and into the modern period. Formed as a Frankish protectorate by the Merovingians, and ruled by the dukes of the Agilolfing family, Bavaria was more or less independent from the mid-7th century. The Carolingians were less tolerant of this situation and invaded Bavaria in 724, 743 and 749[1]. Charles I King of the Franks finally conquered the dukedom of Bavaria in 788, forcing the abdication of the last Agilolfing Duke Tassilo II. Bavaria was incorporated into the Frankish kingdom as a province, and was a sub-kingdom of the Carolingian Frankish empire from 814.

After more than two centuries as a province in the Frankish empire, the Luitpolding family reasserted Bavarian autonomy in the early 10th century, by which time the central power of the Carolingians was in significant decline. Luitpold, the earliest known definite ancestor of the family, was related to Emperor Arnulf (although the precise relationship is unknown) who installed him in Bavaria in [895/98]. Some contemporary sources attribute the title dux to Luitpold and his son Arnulf, although others refer to them as comes. It is clear that the title dux was not at first formally recognised by the central authority of the kings of Germany as the early dukes are consistently referred to as comes in imperial diplomas until after the accession of Otto I King of Germany. The deposition of Duke Eberhard in 938 by King Otto I marked a temporary decline in the region's authority on a national level. Nevertheless, the internal position of the Bavarian dukes remained strong and unified, enabling them to maintain considerable influence over the counties within their duchy and claim reversionary rights in the estates of families which became extinct[2]. This is typified by the duke's role as commander of the tribal levy, in which even troops supplied to the king of Germany by the Bavarian bishops formed part of the ducal forces[3].

Between the mid-940s and 1180, the dukes of Bavaria belonged to seven different dynasties. Ducal appointment remained in the hands of the king/emperor who used it both as a means of rewarding service and strengthening his personal control over the province. The latter objective was in practice only achieved when the king/emperor retained the duchy within his own hands, as was the case with Heinrich II, Heinrich III and Heinrich IV (through his mother) at various different times in the 11th century. The installation of imperial relatives as dukes provided no guarantee of pliability, as Emperor Otto I found with his rebellious nephew Duke Heinrich II.

The territory of the early marches in Bavaria remained under the control of the duke, who was the suzerain of the Markgrafen, which contrasted with the situation in Saxony. The march of the "Bayerischen Nordgau" was established by Emperor Otto I in the early 940s along the border with Bohemia. The Ostmark, which later evolved into the margraviate of Austria, was formed in 976 by Otto II King of Germany along the frontier with Hungary, although Markgrafen in the "Pannonian March" are recorded about a century earlier (see AUSTRIA). The "Kärntner Mark", which later developed into the Steiermark or Styria, was also established in the late 10th century, although the precise date is uncertain. Lastly, the march of Istria, which was able to establish greater autonomy because of its geographic distance from the central authority, was formed in north-east Italy in the early 11th century[4].

All the counties in Bavaria were fiefs of the duke, contrasting once more with the situation in Saxony. Jordan asserts[5] that there is no record in the 12th century of a count in Bavaria being appointed by the crown, although it is clear that there must have been some crown land in Bavaria as Emperor Friedrich I "Barbarossa" enfeoffed Heinrich "der Löwe" with numerous imperial fiefs when he installed him as duke of Bavaria in 1156[6]. Regensburg, always the residence of the dukes of Bavaria, became an imperial free city in the 13th century.

Religious administration in Bavaria centred on the archbishopric of Salzburg, established by the Carolingians in 785. The bishoprics within the province were Freising, Passau and Regensburg, all dating from the mid-8th century. In addition, the bishoprics of Eichstätt and Augsburg, also founded around the same time, fell within the province of Mainz. Heinrich II King of Germany established the bishopric of Bamberg in 1007 as an exempt see, outside the archiepiscopal province, which was responsible direct to the Pope, presumably as a means of increasing imperial control in Bavaria over both the church and lay authorities.

The original territory of Bavaria was significantly reduced when Carinthia was separated out as a separate duchy in 976. The march of Austria remained a fiefdom of the duchy of Bavaria until 1156, when it was elevated to the status of a separate duchy in order to compensate Heinrich II Markgraf of Austria for the loss of Bavaria when Emperor Friedrich I "Barbarossa" returned it to the Welf family[7]. In 1180, after Emperor Friedrich I "Barbarossa" deprived Heinrich "der Löwe" Duke of Bavaria and Saxony of his titles, he further partitioned Bavaria, creating Otto von Wittelsbach as duke in the Bavarian heartland and transforming the margraviate of Styria into a separate duchy[8].

Although by then its territory was truncated, the Wittelsbach duchy consolidated its position and remained a powerful force in regional and international politics until the fall of the German Empire after the First World war.

Chapter 1. DUKES of BAVARIA, AGILOLFING families

There is considerable uncertainty about the early dukes of Bavaria, not only their relationship to each other but even their names and order of succession. The mid-13th century Series Ducum Bavariæ lists, in order, the dukes from 514 as Theodo "dux primus", Theodo II, "Garibaldus rex", Tassilo [I] dux, Theodo III "quem sanctus Ruodbertus baptizavit", Theodebertus, Theodo IV "qui cum filiis sanctum Corbiniacum locavit Frisinge", Theodaldus dux, Grimoaldus dux "fratris filius", Hugpertus dux, Udilo dux "cum Theodone frater", Thassilo dux II "cum filio eius Theodone"[9]. This listing is not consistent with earlier sources. The following attempts to highlights the differences but inevitably remains an incomplete assessment. As noted in the Introduction, the Carolingians conquered Bavaria in 788 and reduced it to a province in the Frankish empire.

THEODO I -514, THEODO II 514-

THEODO, son of --- (-514). THEODO I Duke of Bavaria. The death in 514 of "Theodo dux Baioariæ" is recorded in the Excerpta Altahensia[10].

1. THEODO (-after 520). He succeeded his father in 514 as THEODO II Duke of Bavaria. The succession in 514 of "Theodo filius eius [=Theodo dux Baioariæ]" is recorded in the Excerpta Altahensia[11]. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ record that the Roman army was defeated by "Theodone secundo" at Oettingen in 520[12].

GARIBALD I [555]-[591]

1. GARIBALD (-[591]). GARIBALD I Duke of Bavaria. The Salzburg Annals record that "Gerbaldus Bawariæ regnum accepit" in 598[13], although this is inconsistent with the dates attributed in other sources to duke Tassilo I (see below). The references in primary sources to his wife imply that Garibald was already duke of Bavaria at the time of his marriage. m (after 555) as her third husband, WALDRADA, widow (firstly) of THEODEBALD I King of the Franks, repudiated wife (secondly) of CLOTAIRE II King of the Franks, daughter of WACCHO King of the Lombards & his second wife Ostrogotha of the Gepides. The Origo Gentis Langobardorum names "Wisigarda…secundæ Walderada" as the two daughters of Wacho & his second wife, specifying that Waldrada married "Scusuald regis Francorum" and later "Garipald"[14]. The Historia Langobardorum names "Waldrada" as Wacho's second daughter by his second wife, specifying that she married "Chusubald rex Francorum"[15]. Paulus Diaconus names "Wisigarda…[et] secunda Walderada" as the two daughters of King Wacho & his second wife, specifying that Walderada married "Cusupald alio regi Francorum" and later "Garipald"[16]. Gregory of Tours names Vuldetrada as the wife of King Theodebald[17]. Herimannus names "Wanderadam" wife of "Theodpaldus rex Francorum" when recording her second marriage to "Lotharius rex patris eius Theodeberti patruus"[18]. According to Gregory of Tours, King Clotaire "began to have intercourse" with the widow of King Theodebald, before "the bishops complained and he handed her over to Garivald Duke of Bavaria"[19], which does not imply that King Clotaire married Waldrada. Duke Garibald & his wife had three children:

a) GUNDOALD (-murdered 612). Fredegar records that "Gundoaldus" invaded part of the kingdom of Guntram King of the Franks in Nov [584][20]. The Liber Historiæ Francorum records that the Burgundians and Austrasians entered "paygo Suessionico cum Gundoaldo et Wintrione" and were defeated at "Brinnacum villam" and fled after the battle, dated to soon after the accession (in 592) of Childebert II as king in Burgundy[21]. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ name "Gundoaldo" as son of "Garibaldo rege Baiorionem" when recording that he and his father fled to Authari King of the Lombards in 593[22]. Duke of Asti. The Origo Gentis Langobardorum records that "Theudelenda frater…Gundoald" accompanied his sister to Italy and was installed as "ducem in civitatem Astense" by his brother-in-law King Authari[23]. Fredegar records the death of Gundoald "shot with an arrow while he was relieving nature"[24]. Paulus Diaconus records that "Gunduald…germanus Theudelindæ reginæ…dux in civitate Astensi" was killed by an arrow[25]. m ---, a Lombard. Fredegar records the marriage of "Gundoaldus" and "de gente nobile Langobardorum…uxorem", naming their two sons "Gundeberto et Chairiberto"[26]. Gundoald & his wife had two children:

i) GUNDEBERT . Fredegar names "Gundeberto et Chairiberto" as the two sons of Gundoald & his wife[27].

ii) CHARIBERT (-after [628]). Fredegar names "Gundeberto et Chairiberto" as the two sons of Gundoald & his wife[28]. He supported his cousin Gundberga Queen of the Lombards in her dispute with her husband[29]. This dispute must have taken place in 628 at the earliest, assuming that the queen remained in exile for three years and her husband's accession took place in 625. same person as…? ARIBERT (-Ticino 661, bur Basilica of the Saviour, Ticinum). Paulus Diaconus records that Rodoald King of the Lombards was succeeded by "Aripert, filius Gundoaldi, qui fuerat germanus Theudelindæ reginæ"[30]. If this is correct, King Aribert was the first cousin, on her mother's side, of Queen Gundberga, the wife of at least two of King Aribert's predecessors. Primary sources report the activities of Queen Gundberga in detail, suggesting that she may have been a person of sufficient influence at the Lombard court to have engineered the succession of her relative. However, the relationship is not corroborated in other identified sources, all of which are silent on the origin of King Aripert. He succeeded in 652 as ARIPERT King of the Lombards.

- KINGS of the LOMBARDS.

b) THEODELINDIS. Her first betrothal is recorded by Fredegar who specifies that "Ago rex" married "Grimoaldi et Gundoaldi germanam…Teudelendæ ex genere Francorum" who had been betrothed to "Childebertus"[31]. The Origo Gentis Langobardorum names "Theudelenda filia Garipald et Walderade de Baiuaria" as the wife of "Autarine filio Claffoni"[32]. Paulus Diaconus records the betrothal of "Flavius…rex Authari" and "Garibaldi…regis…Theudelindam suam filiam" and their subsequent marriage "Idus Maius"[33]. The Salzburg Annals name "Gerbaldi regis filiam Theodelingam" when recording her marriage to "Otharius rex Lombardorum"[34]. The marriage of "Theodolindum filiam Gerwaldi regis Baioariorum" to "Otharius rex Longobardorum" is recorded in the Excerpta Altahensia[35]. Paulus Diaconus records that, after the death of her first husband, "Theudelinda" wisely chose "Agilulfum ducem Taurinatium" as her husband and king of the Lombards[36]. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ record her second marriage to "Aigilulfus rex Lombardum"[37]. The Origo Gentis Langobardorum records that "Theudelenda filia Garipald et Walderade de Baiuaria" married secondly "Acquo" who installed himself as king[38]. The Chronicle of Andreas of Bergamo names "Teudelinda filia Garibaldi Baioariorum rex" as the wife first of Autari and then of Agilolf[39]. Betrothed to CHILDEBERT II King of the Franks in Austrasia, son of SIGEBERT I King of the Franks & his wife Brunechildis of the Visigoths (570-[2/28] Mar 596). m firstly (before [590]) as his second wife, AUTHACHAR [Authari] King of the Lombards, son of KLEPH King of the Lombards & his wife --- (-5 Sep 590). m secondly (late 590 or after) [as his second wife,] AGILOLF King of the Lombards, son of --- (-615).

c) daughter . Paulus Diaconus records that "Euin dux Tridentinorum" married "filiam Garibaldi Baioariorum regis"[40]. m EVIN --- (-[590/96]). Paulus Diaconus records that "Euin Tridentinus dux" was given "Tridentinum territorium" after it was devastated by "duce Francorum Chramnichis" whom he defeated "in loco qui Salurnis dicitur"[41]. Paulus Diaconus records that "Euin dux Tridentinus" led the army of King Authari when he invaded Istria[42]. Paulus Diaconus records the death of "Euin…duce in Tridentu" and that "Gaidoaldus" was installed as his successor[43]. This text immediately precedes the report of the death of Childebert II King of the Franks which is dated to 596.

TASSILO I [591]-609, GARIBALD II 609-

1. TASSILO, son of --- (-609). TASSILO I Duke of Bavaria 591. Paulus Diaconus records that "Tassilo" was ordained as "Baioarium rex" by "Childeberto rege Francorum"[44]. This passage is included in the text after the accession of Agilulf King of the Lombards, which is dated to [590], but before the report of the death of Evin Duke of Trentino. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ record that "Tassilo dux" reigned in Bavaria in 593[45]. m ---. The name of Duke Tassilo's wife is not known. Duke Tassilo & his wife had one child:

a) GARIBALD (-640). Paulus Diaconus names "Tassilone duce Baiorariorum, filius eius Garibaldus" when recording that he was defeated by the Slavs "in Agunto" after his father died[46]. GARIBALD II Duke of Bavaria 609.

1. CHRODOALD, son of --- (-murdered [625/26]). Fredegar records that "ex procerebus de gente nobile Aygolfingam nomen Chrodoaldus" fell into disfavour with King Dagobert I "through the instrumentality of Bishop Arnulf" as he "was for ever greedily seizing the property of others … [and] as proud and insolent as could be", and that he was killed in the 41st year of the reign of King Clotaire II by "Berthar homo Scarponiensis"[47]. It is not known how Chrodoald was related to the Agilolfing family of the Dukes of Bavaria, if at all. m (before 609) --- of the Franks, daughter of [SIGEBERT I King of the Franks & his wife Brunechildis of the Visigoths]. The Vita Columbani names "Chrodoaldus…regi Theuderico fideli" and his wife "amitam Theudeberti regis"[48]. Chrodoald & his wife had one child:

a) FARA (-killed in battle 641). Dux in Austrasia. Fredegar records that "Faram filio Chrodoaldo" rebelled against King Sigebert, helped by Radulf Duke of Thuringia, but was killed[49].

1. --- . Duke of Bavaria. The identity of this Bavarian duke is not known, assuming that the report of Paulus Diaconus is accurate. m --- of Friulia, daughter of GISULF II Duke of Friulia & his wife Romilda --- (before 610-). Paulus Diaconus names "una Appa alia Gaila…duarum vero nomina non retinemus" as the daughters of "Gisulfus Foroiulanus dux", recording that one later married "Alamannorum regi, alia…Baioariorum principi", without specifying which[50].

THEODO III [640], THEODO IV, THEODEBERT [670]

1. THEODO, son of --- . THEODO III Duke of Bavaria 640. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ name (in order) "Theodo…Theodo [et] Theodebertum" as Dukes of Bavaria[51]. The mid-13th century Series Ducum Bavariæ lists, in order, the dukes from 514 as Theodo "dux primus", Theodo II, "Garibaldus rex", Tassilo [I] dux, Theodo III "quem sanctus Ruodbertus baptizavit"…[52]. Presumably "sanctus Rudobertus" refers to Ruotbert who was the first Abbot and Bishop of Salzburg from 696 to 717. If this is correct, this baptism cannot refer to Duke Theodo III. However, some corroboration for the baptism of a duke Theodo is provided by the Excerpta Altahensia, which records the baptism in 580 of "Theodonem ducem"[53]. In this case the date of the baptism is much earlier than the likely dates of Duke Theodo III.

1. THEODO, son of --- . THEODO IV Duke of Bavaria. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ name (in order) "Theodo…Theodo [et] Theodebertum" as Dukes of Bavaria, this being the second Theodo[54]. The mid-13th century Series Ducum Bavariæ lists, in order, the dukes from 514 as Theodo "dux primus", Theodo II, "Garibaldus rex", Tassilo [I] dux, Theodo III "quem sanctus Ruodbertus baptizavit", Theodebertus, Theodo IV "qui cum filiis sanctum Corbiniacum locavit Frisinge"…[55], which appears to ignore this Duke Theodo IV.

a) LANTPERT . The Annales Ducum Bavariæ name "Lantpertus" as son of the second "Theodo", recording that he killed "sanctum Emmaramum"[56].

1. THEODEBERT, son of --- . THEODEBERT Duke of Bavaria. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ name (in order) "Theodo…Theodo [et] Theodebertum" as Dukes of Bavaria, recording that "Aspirandus et…Liuprandus" fled to "Theodebertus dux" in 670[57].

THEODO V -718, THEODEBERT 718-724, GRIMOALD 718-728, THEODOALD 718, HUGOBERT 724-739

1. THEODO, son of --- (-11 Dec 718). THEODO V Duke of Bavaria. The mid-13th century Series Ducum Bavariæ lists, in order, the dukes from 514 as Theodo "dux primus"…Theodebertus, Theodo IV "qui cum filiis sanctum Corbiniacum locavit Frisinge"…[58]. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ record that "Theodo dux" led Bavaria in 712, specifying that he and his son Grimoald placed "sanctum Corbinatium in castro Frisinge"[59]. The Salzburg Annals record that "Theodo dux Bawarie" attacked Rome in 716, and died in 718[60]. The Historia Episcoporum Pataviensium et Ducum Bavariæ records the death in 718 of "Theodo dux"[61]. The necrology of Nonnberg records the death "3 Id Dec" of "Theodo dux"[62]. m [FOLCHAID, daughter of ---]. A listing of Dukes of Bavaria in the necrology of Salzburg St Peter names "Folchaid" next to "Theoto", other similar paired entries in the same source being shown to refer to husband and wife[63]. Duke Theodo V & his wife had [four] children:

a) THEODEBERT [Dietbercht] (-724). The Historia Episcoporum Pataviensium et Ducum Bavariæ records that "Theobaldus et Grimoaldus filii eius" succeeded "Theodo dux" in 718[64]. He succeeded his father in 718 as THEODEBERT joint Duke of Bavaria, jointly with his brothers. The mid-13th century Series Ducum Bavariæ lists, in order, the dukes from 514 as Theodo "dux primus"… Theodo IV "qui cum filiis sanctum Corbiniacum locavit Frisinge", Theodaldus dux, Grimoaldus dux "fratris filius"…[65], which appears to ignore this duke Theodebert. In Rhätien, at Botzen. m ELINHAST ---. The primary source which confirms the name of Duke Theodebert's wife has not so far been identified. Duke Theodebert & his wife had one child:

i) GUNTRUD . Paulus Diaconus records the marriage of "Guntrut filiam Teutperti Baioariorum ducis" and "Liutprand rex"[66]. m LIUTPRAND King of the Lombards, son of ANSPRAND King of the Lombards & his wife Theodorada --- (-[late 743/early 744], bur Basilica of Hadrian).

b) GRIMOALD (murdered 728). The Historia Episcoporum Pataviensium et Ducum Bavariæ records that "Theobaldus et Grimoaldus filii eius" succeeded "Theodo dux" in 718[67]. He succeeded his father in 718 as GRIMOALD joint Duke of Bavaria, jointly with his brothers. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ name "Grimoaldi et Theodualdi duces" as sons of "Theodo dux", recording that they were joint dukes in 723, Grimoald ruling alone after the death of his brother[68]. in Ober-Bayern, at Freising. The Historia Episcoporum Pataviensium et Ducum Bavariæ records the death in 729 of "Grimoaldus dux Bavarie"[69]. m as her second husband, PILITRUDE, widow of his brother THEODOALD, daughter of ---. A listing of Dukes of Bavaria in the necrology of Salzburg St Peter names "Pilidruth" next to "Crimolt", indicating that she was presumably his wife[70]. The Continuator of Fredegar records that "matrona quondam…Beletrude et nepta sua Sunnichilde" were captured and taken to Austrasia by Charles "Martel" in [724/25][71]. Duke Grimoald & his wife had one child:

i) HUGOBERT (-739). The primary source which confirms that Hugobert was the son of Grimoald has not so far been identified. He succeeded in 724 as HUGOBERT Duke of Bavaria. The mid-13th century Series Ducum Bavariæ lists, in order, the dukes from 514 as Theodo "dux primus"…Theodo IV "qui cum filiis sanctum Corbiniacum locavit Frisinge", Theodaldus dux, Grimoaldus dux "fratris filius", Hugpertus dux...[72]. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ record that "Hucpertus dux" reigned in Bavaria in 733[73]. The Salzburg Annals record the death in 739 of "Hucbertus dux Bawarie", and that he was succeeded by Odilo[74]. m CHROTHRUDIS, daughter of ---. A listing of Dukes of Bavaria in the necrology of Salzburg St Peter names "Rattrud" next to "Hucperht", indicating presumably that she was his wife[75]. She became abbess of Nonnberg after the death of her husband[76].

c) THEODOALD (-after 718). The Annales Ducum Bavariæ name "Grimoaldi et Theodualdi duces" as sons of "Theodo dux", recording that they were joint dukes in 723[77]. He succeeded his father in 718 as THEODOALD joint Duke of Bavaria, jointly with his brothers. The mid-13th century Series Ducum Bavariæ lists, in order, the dukes from 514 as Theodo "dux primus"…Theodo IV "qui cum filiis sanctum Corbiniacum locavit Frisinge", Theodaldus dux, Grimoaldus dux "fratris filius", Hugpertus dux…[78]. Im Nordgau, at Passau. m firstly WALTRUDE ---. The primary source which names Waltrude as first wife of Duke Theodoald has not so far been identified. m secondly as her first husband, PILITRUDE ---. The primary source which identifies Pilitrude as second wife of Duke Theodoald has not so far been identified. She married secondly her first husband's brother Grimoald.

d) [--. m ---.]

i) SUANACHILDIS [Suanhilde] (-after 17 Sep 741). The precise parentage of Suanachildis is not known. The Continuator of Fredegar records that "matrona quondam…Beletrude et nepta sua Sunnichilde" were captured and taken to Austrasia by Charles "Martel" in [724/25][79]. Einhard names "Swannhilde neptem Odilonis ducis Baioariorum" as the mother of Grifo[80]. The precise relationship between Suanhilde and Pilitrude, who was the wife in turn of the brothers Grimoald and Theodoald, has not been identified. She instigated the marriage of her stepdaughter to Odilo Duke of Bavaria according to the Continuator of Fredegar[81]. After the death of her husband, she incited her son to rebel against her stepsons. She was defeated and sent to the monastery of Chelles, Seine-et-Marne. "Karlus maiorum domus filius Pippini quondam" donated property "villa Clippiacum in pago Parisiaco" to the abbey of St Denis by charter dated 17 Sep 741, subscribed by "Radberti comitis, Raygaubaldi comitis, Salaconis comitis, matrone Sonechildis, Grifonis filii sui"[82]. m (725) as his second wife, CHARLES “Martel” maiordomus of Austrasia and Neustria, son of PEPIN "le Gros" or "d'Herstal" & his second wife Chalpais [Alpais] ([690]-Quierzy-sur-Oise, Aisne 22 Oct 741, bur église de l'abbaye royale de Saint Denis).

2. [---- . m ---.]

a) [ODILO (-18 Jan 748, bur Hostenhoven, Kloster Gengenbach). The parentage of Odilo is not known. Einhard names "Swannhilde neptem Odilonis ducis Baioariorum" as the mother of Grifo[83]. As shown above, the Continuator of Fredegar names "matrona quondam…Beletrude et nepta sua Sunnichilde"[84]. Reading these two sources together, the impression is that Odilo may have been a brother of Dukes Grimoald and Theodald. However, all sources so far identified only name the latter two as the sons of Duke Theodo. It is assumed that Odilo was not the brother or son of Duke Hugobert, whom he succeeded, as such a relationship is not mentioned in any of the contemporary sources so far identified. It appears more likely that Odilo was related more remotely to his predecessors, but the precise relationship can only be guessed at. He succeeded in 739 as ODILO Duke of Bavaria. The Salzburg Annals record that Odilo succeeded as Duke of Bavaria in 739 following the death of "Hucbertus dux Bawarie"[85].]

- see below.

b) [THEODO (-after 739). The mid-13th century Series Ducum Bavariæ lists, in order, the dukes from 514 as Theodo "dux primus"…Hugpertus dux, Udilo dux "cum Theodone frater"…[86]. This the only source so far identified which names this supposed brother of Duke Odilo.]

ODILO 739-748, TASSILO II 748-788

ODILO, son of --- (-18 Jan 748, bur Hostenhoven, Kloster Gengenbach). The parentage of Odilo is not known. Einhard names "Swannhilde neptem Odilonis ducis Baioariorum" as the mother of Grifo[87]. The Continuator of Fredegar names "matrona quondam…Beletrude et nepta sua Sunnichilde"[88]. Reading these two sources together, the impression is that Odilo may have been a brother of Dukes Grimoald and Theodald. However, as shown above, all sources so far identified only name the latter two as the sons of Duke Theodo. It is assumed that Odilo was not the brother or son of Duke Hugobert, whom he succeeded, as such a relationship is not mentioned in any of the contemporary sources so far identified. It appears more likely that Odilo was related more remotely to his predecessors, but the precise relationship can only be guessed at. He succeeded in 739 as ODILO Duke of Bavaria. The Salzburg Annals record that Odilo succeeded as Duke of Bavaria in 739 following the death of "Hucbertus dux Bawarie"[89]. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ also record that "Oudilo dux" succeeded "Hucpertus dux"[90]. He married his wife without the permission of her brothers[91]. His brother-in-law Carloman invaded Bavaria, and Odilo was forced to recognise Frankish suzerainty in 744. The Annales Metenses record the death in 749 of "dux Odilo"[92]. The necrology of Regensburg St Emmeran records the death "XV Kal Feb" of "Otilo dux"[93].

m (741) CHILTRUDIS [Hiltrude], daughter of CHARLES "Martel" maiordomus of Austrasia and Neustria [Carolingian] & his first wife Chrothrudis --- (-754, bur Hostenhoven, Kloster Gengenbach). The Continuator of Fredegar names "Chiltrudis" as daughter of Charles "Martel", stating that her "wicked stepmother" incited her to joined Odilo of Bavaria whom she married without the permission of her brothers[94]. After the death of her husband, she was captured by Grifo who usurped the throne from her son[95]. After her son was restored, Hiltrude became regent in Bavaria during his minority.

Duke Odilo & his wife had one child:

1. TASSILO ([742]-11 Dec or 5 Jan after 794). Herimannus names "Tassilonem" son of "sororis suæ [=Pipinus] Hiltrudis filium"[96]. The Historia Episcoporum Pataviensium et Ducum Bavariæ records the birth in 742 of "Tassilo [II] dux"[97]. The Annales Metenses record the succession of "Tassilo filius eius [=dux Odilo]" after the death of his father in 749[98]. After the death of Tassilo's father, Grifo, brother of Pepin maiordomus of the Franks, invaded Bavaria where he was recognised as Duke but was deposed by his brother who installed his nephew as TASSILO II Duke of Bavaria[99]. Duke Tassilo swore vassalage to Pepin King of the Franks at Compiègne in 757[100]. Tassilo deserted King Pepin in Aquitaine in 763, returning to Bavaria[101]. The Salzburg Annals record that Tassilo subjugated Carinthia in 772[102]. He eventually surrendered to King Charles in 787 and renewed his oath of vassalage[103]. He rebelled again in 788, making contacts with the Avars who attacked the Franks, but was obliged by the king to be tonsured [104]. He entered the monastery of Jumièges, and finally renounced his dukedom at the synod of Frankfurt in 794[105]. The necrology of Weltenburg records the death "III Id Dec" of "Thessalo dux fundator cœnobii huius"[106]. The necrology of Regensburg St Emmeran records the death "Non Jan" of "Tassilo dux et m"[107]. m LIUTBERGA [Liutpirc] of the Lombards, daughter of DESIDERIUS King of the Lombards & his wife Ansa --- (-after 788). Einhard names "Liutberga…filia Desiderii regis Langobardorum" as the wife of "Tassilonem ducem"[108]. The wife of "Tassilonis ducis" is called "filia Desiderii regis" by Einhard[109]. Named as the wife of Duke Tassilo in the Royal Frankish Annals, which describe her as "his rancorous wife … a woman hateful to God". She and her daughters became nuns when her husband was deprived of his dukedom in 788[110]. Duke Tassilo & his wife had four children:

a) THEODO (8 Oct ---- -after 788). The necrology of Walderdorff records the birth "VIII Id Oct" of "Theotoni filio Tassiloni ducis"[111]. The Salzburg Annals record that Tassilo baptised his son in Rome in 772, but do not name the son[112]. Named son of Tassilo in the Royal Frankish Annals, his father gave him as hostage to Charles I King of the Franks in 787[113]. His father appointed him as joint Duke of Bavaria in 777. He was tonsured with his father in 788104, and became a monk in cloister of St Maximin 788.

b) THEOTBERT . The primary source which names Theotbert as son of Duke Tassilo has not so far been identified. Monk 788.

c) daughter . The primary source which refers to the two daughters of Duke Tassilo has not so far been identified. Nun at Chelles.

d) daughter . The primary source which refers to the two daughters of Duke Tassilo has not so far been identified. Nun at Laon.

Chapter 2. MARKGRAFEN in BAVARIA 9th CENTURY

The following two individuals are referred to in primary sources as Markgrafen in Bavaria. The precise extent of their jurisdiction is not known, but the title implies rule over a "March". It is possible that this Bavarian March is the same as the March of Pannonia, over which Markgrafen are recorded during the 870s to 890s (see AUSTRIA).

A. MARKGRAF in BAVARIA (ENGELDEO)

ENGELDEO [890]-895

1. ENGELDEO, son of --- (-after 895). King Carloman granted property "in pago Tonageuue in comitatu Engildeo" to the priest Iob by charter dated 3 Dec 878[114]. "Arnolfus…rex" granted property "in pago Nordgouue…in comitatu sui senioris in loci Phuncina" to "Engildeonis comitis…vassallo Gotahelmi" by charter dated 889[115]. "Arnolfus…rex" granted property "in pago Quinzingouue in comitatu Hunolfi" to Kloster St Emmeran by charter dated 21 Mar 890 which names "Engildeo comes, Odalrich comes, Meginhart comes, Chunipercht comes, Kerolt comes, Rumolt comes, Geio comes"[116]. Markgraf in Bavaria [890/95]. The Annales Fuldenses record that "Engildieo marchensis Baioariorum" was deprived of his honours in 895, and in his place that "Liutboldus nepos regis" was appointed[117]. "Arnolfus…rex" returned land in "pago Nortgowe in comitatu Cheldionis", previously taken by "Hildigardis neptis nostra et Engeldichd comes…et Sigo vicarius eius", to "Megingozo vasallo…Erkenboldi episcopi" by charter dated 5 May 895[118].

B. MARKGRAF in BAVARIA (LIUTPOLD)

LUITPOLD 895-907

LIUTPOLD, son of --- ([850/60]-killed in battle near Pressburg 4 Jul 907). The question of Liutpold's origin is discussed in GERMAN NOBILITY. His birth date is estimated from the estimated date of his [supposed] first marriage. The Annales Fuldenses record that "Engildieo marchensis Baioariorum" was deprived of his honours in 895, and in his place that "Liutboldus nepos regis" was appointed[119]. The Annales Fuldenses record disputes between "duos fratres gentis Marahensium, Moymirum ac Zuentibaldum" in 898, which prompted Emperor Arnulf to send "marchiones suos, Liutboldum et Arbonum comitem" to Moravia to protect the Bavarians[120]. "Arnolfus imperator augustus" gave property in "Charentariche in comitatu ipsius consanguinei nostri [Liutbaldi]…Gurca…et…in Gurcatala et in alia loco qui dicitur Zulszah" to "viro progenie bonæ nobilitatis exorto Zuentibolch…Liutbaldi…propinqui ac illustris nostri marchionis vassallo" at the request of "Iringi et Isangrimi…comitum nostrorum" by charter dated 31 Aug 898[121]. "Arnolfus imperator augustus" granted to "viro progenie bonæ nobilitatis Zuentibolch…Liutbaldi…propinqui ac illustris nostri marchionis vassallo" property "in Charentariche in comitatu ipsius consanguinei nostri" by charter dated 19 Jan 901 on the proposal of "Liutbaldi…comitis et…propinqui nostri"[122]. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ record that "Arnulfus [rex]" left the duchy of Bavaria to "Leupoldo cuidam nobili" in 899[123]. "Ludovuicus…rex" donated property to Kloster St Florian by charter dated 19 Jan 901 on the proposal of "Liutbaldi…comitis et…propinqui nostri"[124]. It is possible that Luitpold ruled as Duke of Bohemia in 903, as shown by the charter dated 24 Jun 903 under which "Hludowicus…rex" confirmed privileges to Kloster St Gallen in which among "fidelium nostrum" was listed "Liutpold dux Boemanorum"[125], although it is likely that "Boemanorum" was a copyist's error for "Baiorariorum" as this appears to be the only reference to Luitpold ruling in Bohemia. "Hludowicus…rex" granted property to the church of Freising by charter dated 30 Nov 903 in which among "fidelium nostrum" was listed "Liutboldi illustris comitis et cari propinqui nostri"[126]. "Hludowicus…rex" granted property "in valle…Liupinatal in comitatu eiusdem Otacherii" to "Otacharii…comitis nostri filio Arpo" after consulting "fidelium nostrorum Liutpoldi, Arponis, Iringi, Cumpoldi et Paponis comitum" by charter dated 10 Mar 904[127]. "Hludowicus…rex" confirmed an exchange of properties between Kloster Fulda and Kloster Echternach after consulting "fidelium nostrorum comitum vero Kebeharti, Liutpoldi, Burcharti, Eginonis, Liutfredi, Iringi et Cunpoldi" by charter dated 19 Mar 907[128]. Regino records that "Liutbaldus dux occisus est" in 907 fighting the Hungarians[129].

- see below, Chapter 2.

Chapter 2. DUKES of BAVARIA (LIUTPOLDINGE)

BERTHOLD 938-947, HEINRICH III 985-989

LIUTPOLD, son of --- ([850/60]-killed in battle near Pressburg 4 Jul 907). His birth date is estimated from the estimated date of his [supposed] first marriage. The Annales Fuldenses record that "Engildieo marchensis Baioariorum" was deprived of his honours in 895, and in his place that "Liutboldus nepos regis" was appointed[130]. The Annales Fuldenses record disputes between "duos fratres gentis Marahensium, Moymirum ac Zuentibaldum" in 898, which prompted Emperor Arnulf to send "marchiones suos, Liutboldum et Arbonum comitem" to Moravia to protect the Bavarians[131]. "Arnolfus imperator augustus" gave property in "Charentariche in comitatu ipsius consanguinei nostri [Liutbaldi]…Gurca…et…in Gurcatala et in alia loco qui dicitur Zulszah" to "viro progenie bonæ nobilitatis exorto Zuentibolch…Liutbaldi…propinqui ac illustris nostri marchionis vassallo" at the request of "Iringi et Isangrimi…comitum nostrorum" by charter dated 31 Aug 898[132]. "Arnolfus imperator augustus" granted to "viro progenie bonæ nobilitatis Zuentibolch…Liutbaldi…propinqui ac illustris nostri marchionis vassallo" property "in Charentariche in comitatu ipsius consanguinei nostri" by charter dated 19 Jan 901 on the proposal of "Liutbaldi…comitis et…propinqui nostri"[133]. The Annales Ducum Bavariæ record that "Arnulfus [rex]" left the duchy of Bavaria to "Leupoldo cuidam nobili" in 899[134]. "Ludovuicus…rex" donated property to Kloster St Florian by charter dated 19 Jan 901 on the proposal of "Liutbaldi…comitis et…propinqui nostri"[135]. It is possible that Luitpold ruled as Duke of Bohemia in 903, as shown by the charter dated 24 Jun 903 under which "Hludowicus…rex" confirmed privileges to Kloster St Gallen in which among "fidelium nostrum" was listed "Liutpold dux Boemanorum"[136], although it is possible that "Boemanorum" was a copyist's error for "Baiorariorum" as this appears to be the only reference to Luitpold ruling in Bohemia. "Hludowicus…rex" granted property to the church of Freising by charter dated 30 Nov 903 in which among "fidelium nostrum" was listed "Liutboldi illustris comitis et cari propinqui nostri"[137]. "Hludowicus…rex" granted property "in valle…Liupinatal in comitatu eiusdem Otacherii" to "Otacharii…comitis nostri filio Arpo" after consulting "fidelium nostrorum Liutpoldi, Arponis, Iringi, Cumpoldi et Paponis comitum" by charter dated 10 Mar 904[138]. "Hludowicus…rex" confirmed an exchange of properties between Kloster Fulda and Kloster Echternach after consulting "fidelium nostrorum comitum vero Kebeharti, Liutpoldi, Burcharti, Eginonis, Liutfredi, Iringi et Cunpoldi" by charter dated 19 Mar 907[139]. Regino records that "Liutbaldus dux occisus est" in 907 fighting the Hungarians[140].

[m firstly ([875/85] or before) ---. There is no direct indication of a first marriage of Duke Liutpold. However, considering the likely birth date of his eldest son Arnulf, the mother of the latter must have been born in [860/70]. If this is correct, a marriage in 913 between the widow of Duke Luitpold, then beyond child-bearing age, and Konrad I King of Germany would seem surprising.]

m [secondly] as her first husband, KUNIGUNDE, sister of Graf ERCHANGER [Ahalolfinger], daughter of --- (-after 7 Jun 914, bur Kloster Lorsch). Her two marriages are confirmed by the Annales Alamannicorum which record the marriage in 913 of "sororem [Erchangeri] Liupoldi relictam" with the king[141]. Her second husband arranged their marriage in an unsuccessful attempt to ally himself with her brother and with Arnulf Duke of Bavaria[142]. "Chuonradus…rex" granted rights to Kloster Lorsch by charter dated 7 Jun 914 which names "coniugis nostre Chunigunde regine"[143]. She married secondly (913) Konrad I King of Germany [Konradiner].

Liutpold & his [first] wife had one child:

1. ARNULF ([875/85]-14 Jul 937, bur Regensburg St Emmeran). Regino records that "filius suus [=Liutbaldus dux] Arnulfus" succeeded his father as dux in 907[144]. The Salzburg Annals name "Liupoldus dux, pater Arnolfi ducis"[145]. His birth date range is estimated based on the likelihood that Arnulf must have been adult and established in his career when he was accepted as his father's successor in 907, but must be considered approximate. He referred to himself in 908 as ARNULF Duke of Bavaria in a charter confirming an exchange of land between Drakolf Bishop of Freising and Konrad chor-bishop of Freising[146].

- see below.

Liutpold & his [second] wife had one child:

2. BERTHOLD (-23 Nov 947, bur Kloster Niederaltaich). Liutprand names "Bertaldus Bagoariorum dux" as brother of "Arnulfi ducis"[147]. It seems more likely that Berthold was the son of Duke Luitpold by his wife Kunigunde, bearing in mind that the latter's brother was also named Berthold. Judging from the known dates of Berthold's career, it would not be surprising if he was born several years after his [half-]brother Arnulf, whose birth date is estimated in [875/85] as shown above. He was installed as BERTHOLD Duke of Bavaria in 938 by Otto I King of Germany after the rebellion and expulsion of his nephew Eberhard, marking a decline in Bavarian autonomy which was symbolised by King Otto appointing Herolt as the new archbishop of Salzburg in 939[148]. "Otto…rex" gave Abtei Moosburg to the bishopric of Freising at the request of "ducis…Perchtoldi…Bavariensis regionis principum" by charter dated 29 May 940[149]. "Otto…rex" gave property "in pago Ufgovve in comitatu Marchvvardi iuxta rivum Fuchtebah" to "comiti Marchvvardo [vassallo ducis Perchtoldi]" by charter dated 13 Jul 940 at the request of "ducis nostri Perchtoldi, simul et Kerungi ac Hiltiboldi comitum"[150]. "Otto…rex" granted property to "nostri servum Reginpreht" at the request of "ducis…Perehtoldi et Hiltibaldi comitis cuidam…comiti…Cadelahc" by charter dated 22 Sep 942[151]. The Annalium Ratisponensium Supplementum records the death in 949 of "Perchtoldus dux Noricorum"[152]. The necrology of Regensburg St Emmeran records the death "IX Kal Nov" of "Perchtoldus dux"[153]. m BIELETRUD --- (-after 29 Sep 976). "Otto…imperator augustus" returned property "in pagis Swanifelden, Norekawe, Solezgawe" to "nobili matrone Biledrut" which had been confiscated from "maritus eius Berchtoldus dux" owned by him "tempore Arnolfi ducis", by charter dated 29 Sep 976[154]. She founded the convent of Bergen. Duke Berthold & his wife had [two] children:

a) HEINRICH (-5 Oct 989, bur [Niederaltaich]). "Henricus Minor, filius Bertoldi" is named in the Annalista Saxo, when recording his installation as Duke of Bavaria in 983[155]. Still a minor on his father's death, he was passed over in the succession to Bavaria when Otto I King of Germany established his own brother Heinrich as Duke[156]. He was appointed HEINRICH I Duke of Carinthia in 976 by Otto II King of Germany who had abstracted both Carinthia and the Italian marches from the duchy of Bavaria to create this new duchy. "Otto…imperator augustus" freed "clericum nomine Reginbato" at the request of "Heinricus Karentanorum dux" by charter dated 6 Apr 977[157]. He supported Heinrich II "der Zänker" Duke of Bavaria in his rebellion against his cousin Emperor Otto II. Together, they expelled Bishop Pilgrim from Passau, but were besieged there, put on trial at Magdeburg in 978, and imprisoned[158]. After his release, he was installed as HEINRICH III Duke of Bavaria at Verona in 983[159], but deprived of Bavaria in [early 985] when the dukedom was returned to Heinrich I "der Zänker" as part of the terms of settlement of the latter's rebellion against King Otto III[160]. Heinrich was restored as Duke of Carinthia as part of this settlement[161]. The necrology of Fulda records the death in 989 of "Heinrichus dux"[162]. The Altahense Annales record the death in 989 of "Heinricus dux Karintanorum"[163]