The Swabian nobility constituted a much less cohesive group than the nobility in neighbouring Bavaria. This was probably due originally to the disparate nature of the territories of which the Swabian duchy was comprised, with the river Rhine providing a significant barrier to cross-activity between Alsace on the west bank and what is now the German state of Baden-Württemberg to the east. In addition, large parts of the east bank land were heavily forested and uninhabited, colonisation only accelerating in the 12th and 13th centuries, while the Alps provided another barrier to the south. The result was that many local families were at first modest in their ambitions, their activities being restricted to isolated parts of the province. An example is provided by the Zähringer, which concentrated on building their influence around the town of Freiburg im Breisgau before Duke Konrad extended his ambitions into Burgundy in 1127.

The first dukes of Swabia, following the revival of central authority in the early 10th century, were the Hunfriding rulers from what is now northern Switzerland. A 903 diploma of Ludwig IV "das Kind" King of Germany refers to the first Hunfriding ruler Burkhard as "marchio Curiensis Rætiæ", indicating the creation of a short-lived march in northern Switzerland. The Hunfriding were succeeded as rulers by the Franconian Konradiner dynasty in 926, when Hermann was appointed duke by Heinrich I King of Germany. Over the following 150 years, no single family established itself as dukes of Swabia for more than three generations.

Multiple powerbases were over time created in Swabia, another reason for the lack of cohesion within the noble families. After Berthold von Zähringen lost to Friedrich von Staufen in the power struggle for appointment as duke of Swabia during the investiture crisis, he was compensated by recognition of his personal title of duke, which was also transmitted to his descendants. This was the first occasion when two individuals both peaceably held the title dux at any one time in any of the original German provinces. The dukes of Zähringen developed considerable political influence in central Europe before their extinction in the male line in 1218. In addition, the Welf family, while establishing themselves definitively as dukes of Bavaria in 1096, remained major landowners in Swabia where contemporary sources such as necrologies show that they also used the title dux.

Besides these major families, numerous lesser noble families enjoyed limited territorial influence in Swabia around the castles which they constructed. Some of these used their small Swabian bases as a springboard to extend their activities on a broader international scale. The two most obvious examples are the Staufen and Zollern dynasties. The former took their name from their castle in Swabia but acquired extensive property in Franconia, bequeathed to Friedrich II Duke of Swabia by his maternal uncle Emperor Heinrich V. The election of Konrad von Staufen as Konrad III King of Germany in 1138, and that of his nephew as King Friedrich I "Barbarossa" in 1152, signalled the family's definitive transfer out of the local Swabian field of activity. The Zollern family also took its name from their Swabian castle, but launched themselves on to the wider German stage with a fortunate marriage to the heiress of the Burggrafschaft of the town of Nürnberg in Bavaria, from there becoming electors of Brandenburg in the early 15th century. A third example is provided by the Grafen von Berg which developed sufficient influence to enable them to arrange the marriages in the early 12th century of the three daughters of Graf Heinrich [I] with the king of Poland and the dukes of Bohemia and Moravia. Finally, the roots of the Habsburg family, whose later history requires no introduction, are found in the southern part of Swabia in what is now Switzerland.

Other potentially powerful Swabian nobles failed to expand beyond the local level. A good example is provided by the Grafen von Achalm, who acquired the Alsatian castle of Montbéliard [Mömpelgard] by marriage, and founded the influential monastery of Zwiefalten in 1089. However, no legitimate descendants are known from a family of eight brothers, the last of whom died in 1098.

During the dispute between Konrad IV King of Germany and the papal party, led by Willem II Count of Holland as its figurehead and anti-king, Swabia was largely anti-Staufen. The reaction against Staufen control enabled the local nobility to assert their autonomy, the duchy of Swabia virtually disappearing as a territorial unit and dissolving into a collection of territorial fragments[1]. The eventual fall-out was the establishment of the Markgrafen von Baden and the dukes of Württemberg as the major Swabian lords.

An interesting "census" of Swabian nobility is provided by a list in the History of Salem Monastery of those present at a court of "duce Friderico"[2]. The names are (in order) "comite Rodolfo Pregantino, comite Rudolfo de Ramsperc, Ebirhardo comite de Nellinburc, Burcardo, Eginone, Gotfrido, Friderico comitibus de Zolr, Marcquardo comite de Veringin, Diepoldo et fratre eius Rapotone comitibus de Berge, Ebirhardo et Hartmanno comitibus de Killiperc, Ludowico comite de Wirtinberc, Ungone comite palatino de Tuwingen, Bertoldo de Ebirstein, Ulrici et Alberto comitibus de Ahchalm, Alberto et Hartmanno comitibus de Kuiberc, Heinrico comite et Conrado fratre suo, advocato de Sancto-monte, Wernhero, Chunone, Arnoldo comitibus de Badin, Humberto, Ulrico, Rudolfo, Arnoldo comitibus de Lenzeburc, Wernhero comite de Habisburg". All their families are set out in this document, except for the family of "Heinrico comite et Conrado fratre suo, advocato de Sancto-monte" which has not been identified. In addition four individuals are listed who are not counts "Manigoldo de Rordorf, Lamperto de Husin, Hugone de Utindorf, Eigilwardo de Nuzdorf". The list is undated, but the inclusion of the brothers Adalbert and Hartmann Grafen von Dillingen und Kiburg enable the list to be dated to after 11 Sep 1151, when their father died. Further precision in the dating is possible by identifying which "Friedrich Duke of Swabia" is named. Duke Friedrich II "der Einäugige" had died in 1147. The only possibilities are therefore Duke Friedrich III, who resigned the dukedom in Mar 1152 when he was elected as Friedrich I "Barbarossa" King of Germany, or his successor Duke Friedrich III who was installed as duke in 1152. The close-knit nature of this group of nobles is confirmed by the number of marriages between those named or their immediate families, as can be traced below.

The nobility whose families are set out in this document are those who lived in Swabia east of the river Rhine. The nobles whose power lay on the left bank of the river are shown in ALSACE.

Chapter 1. GRAFEN im BREISGAU

An obscure minor noble family in Swabia, the Zähringen dynasty owed their rise to power to the support they gave to the cause of the nobility in its long running dispute with Emperor Heinrich IV King of Germany during the final decades of the 11th century. They sided with the anti-king of Germany, Rudolf von Rheinfelden Duke of Swabia, after his election in 1077. The Zähringer were by that time of sufficient local importance to be courted by both sides in the dispute, the emperor appointing family members as Duke of Carinthia and Duke of Swabia at different times. The dynasty concentrated its attention on building its territorial influence around Freiburg im Breisgau. Like the less powerful family of the Grafen von Hohenburg which was centred on Wiesneck[3], the Zähringer held property in the Black Forest on both banks of the upper reaches of the river Rhine. It held countships in the Thurgau, Albgau, Ortenau and Breisgau[4]. The ducal branch acquired the family's Swabian possessions, maintained the title duke after it ceased to be duke of Swabia and eventually applied it to the imperial fief of Zähringen which it held directly from the German crown.

The Genealogia Zaringorum[5] was written at the monastery of St Peter in the Black Forest, early in the 13th century judging by its recording the death of the youngest son of Konrad Duke of Zähringen. It is accompanied by a Continuatio, probably written just over a century later as it ends with a marriage dated elsewhere to before 1318.

1. GUNTRAM "der Reiche", son of --- (-9 Aug, after 973). Graf im Breisgau 962: Emperor Otto I granted property "habere Cuntramnus comes in pago Prisecgeuue in comitatu Pirihtihonis in locis…Puckinga, Uringa, Muron" to Konrad Bishop of Konstanz by charter dated 21 Feb 962[6]. m ---. The name of Guntram's wife is not known. Graf Guntram & his wife had one child:

a) LANZELIN [Landolt] (-991). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Herr zu Muri 976, 981. Graf im Thurgau. m LUITGARD [von Nellenburg], daughter of EBERHARD [III] Graf [von Nellenburg] Graf im Thurgau & his wife ---. The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. Graf Lanzelin & his wife had [four] children:

i) [LANDOLT . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Vogt of Reichenau 992. Ancestor of the House of Zähringen[7].]

- see below.

ii) RATBOD (-30 Jun, before 1045, bur Kloster Muri). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Founded the Convent at Muri. Graf im Klettgau[8] 1023. He built the castle of Habsburg in the Aargau. He shared his territories with his younger brother Rudolf I, retaining Aargau and Klettgau. m IDA, daughter of --- (23 Jul or 23 Aug [970]-[1028], bur Muri). According to Europäische Stammtafeln[9], Ida was stepsister of Kuno, father of Rudolf Graf von Rheinfelden anti-king of Germany. According to another table in Europäische Stammtafeln[10], she was the sister of Werner Bishop of Strasbourg. This is probably a misinterpretation as Bishop Werner is shown in the same table as her husband's younger brother. A necrology of unknown provenance, marked "Fragmenta Incerta" in the compilation, records the death "X Kal Aug" of "Ita uxor comitis Radbotonis de Vindonissa"[11]. Graf Ratbod & his wife had four children:

(a) OTTO [I] (-1045/55, bur Strasbourg). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Oberelsaß (Upper Alsace).

(b) ALBRECHT [I] (-before 1050, bur Muri). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified.

(c) WERNER [I] (-11 Nov 1096, bur Muri). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified.

- GRAFEN von HABSBURG.

(d) RICHENZA (-27 May 1080, bur Kloster Muri). The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. The necrology of the church of Bero records the death "VI Kal Iun 1080" of "Richenza com"[12]. m [ULRICH [II] Graf von Lenzburg und im Zürichgau], nepos of ULRICH [I] Graf von Lenzburg.

iii) RUDOLF [I] (-before 29 Jan 1063). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Oberelsaß (Upper Alsace) and the Rauhen Alb, following his older brother’s partition of the family territories. "Heinricus…rex" confirmed the donation of property "in comitatu Chunonis comitis et in pago Alsatia…in comitatu Gerardi comitis…in comitatu Wernhardi comitis et in pago Mortenva…in comitatu Herimanni comitis et in pago Brisergouiaæ…in comitatu Rudolphi comitis et in pago Scerron…in comitatu Liutoldi comitis et in pago Chletgowe…in comitatu Arnoldi comitis et in pago Frichgoue" to Kloster Otmarsheim by "vidua Chunigund…a marito illius Rudolpho" by charter dated 1 Mar 1064[13]. He founded, together with his wife, the Convent of Ottmarsheim, in Upper Alsace[14]. m KUNIGUNDE, daughter of --- (-after 1 Mar 1064). The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified.

iv) WERNER (-28 Oct 1028). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Bishop of Strasbourg 1002. Imperial envoy at the court of Constantinople.

LANDOLT, son of [15][LANZELIN Graf von Altenburg & his wife Lütgard von Nellenburg]. The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Vogt of Reichenau 992.

m BERTHA, sister of FRIEDRICH Graf im Sündergau [Staufer], daughter of --- (-after [1000]). Her existence is confirmed by the genealogical data used to justify the annulment of the first marriage of Friedrich I "Barbarossa" King of Germany on the grounds of consanguinity[16].

Landolt & his wife had two children:

1. BEZZELIN (-15 Jul [1024]). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. The Genealogia Zaringorum names "Bezelinus comes" and his brother "Gebezone" as the first known members of the Zähringer family, specifying that they built Kloster Sulzburg near Mühlheim[17]. Graf in der Ortenau. "Otto…rex" confirmed an exchange of property "villam…Nerichouua ultra fluvium Moldaha" agreed between Gisalhar Archbishop of Magdeburg and "Becilinum comitem" by charter dated 18 Sep 991[18], although it is not known whether this refers to the same person. "Otto…Romanorum imperator augustus" granted the right to a market in Villingen to "Berhtoldo comiti nostro" by charter dated 29 Mar 999[19]. This may have been the same person as Bezzelin, ancestor of the Zähringen family, or at least the grantee may have been closely related to him considering that the name Berthold was used frequently by Bezzelin's descendants. "Heinricus…Romanorum imperator augustus" renewed the privileges of Kloster Fulda by undated charter, placed in the compilation with other charters dated 1020, witnessed by "Godifridi ducis, Berinhardi ducis, Thiederici ducis, Welphonis comitis, Cunonis comitis, Kunrati comitis, Ottonis comitis, Adilbrahtis comitis, Bobonis comitis, Friderici comitis, Bezilini comitis, Ezonis comitis palatini"[20], the order of witnesses presumably giving some idea of the relative importance of these named nobles at the court of Emperor Heinrich II at the time. m [LUITGARD], daughter of ---, patruus of EBERHARD [IV] "dem Seligen" Graf von Nellenburg. The primary source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. Graf Bezzelin & his wife had one child:

a) BERTHOLD (-Limburg 5/6 Nov 1078, bur Hirsau). The Genealogia Zaringorum names "Berchtoldus Cum-barba" as son of "Bezelinus comes", specifying that he was buried at Hirsau[21]. "Heinricus…Romanorum imperator augustus" confirmed property "…in pago Brysihcgowe in villis Mulinheim et Ougheim in comitatu Bertholdi comitis…in pago Brisihcgowe in villa Piccensole in comitatu supra dicti Bertholdi comitis…" to the cathedral of Basel by charter dated 1 Jun 1048[22]. He was promised the duchy of Swabia by the emperor. He was installed in 1061 as BERTHOLD I "the Bearded" Duke of Carinthia. The Annals of Berthold record that "Berhtoldus comes Suevigena" was appointed Duke of Carinthia in 1061 after the death of "Chounradus…Carantanis ducis"[23]. He never obtained actual possession of the duchy[24], and was deposed in 1077. Marchese di Verona 1066. Graf im Breisgau until 1077. Heinrich IV King of Germany confirmed the privileges of Basel church in property "in comitatu Berchtoldi in pago Brisichgowi" by charter dated 20 May 1073[25]. He founded Kloster Weilheim unter Teck before 1073. He was one of the principal adversaries of Emperor Heinrich IV in the investiture dispute, demonstrated by King Heinrich redistributing Berthold's properties by charter dated 1 Jul 1077 under which "Heinricus…rex" granted property "in pago Brisgowe Bertholfi iam non duci iusto iudicio sublatum" to the church of Strasbourg[26]. m firstly RICHWARA, daughter of --- (-before [1056]). . The wife of "Berchtoldus dux de Zaringen" is named "Richwara" in a list of founders of the monastery of St Peter in Schwarzwald[27]. According to Wegener, she was Richwara of Swabia, daughter of Hermann IV Duke of Swabia [Babenberg] & his wife Adelaida di Susa. However, this seems unlikely from a chronological point of view. Richwara gave birth to five children, presumably between [1045/55], so is unlikely to have been born later than 1030, when her supposed father was only 15 years old and her supposed mother about 10. m secondly ([1056]) BEATRIX de Mousson, daughter of LOUIS Comte de Mousson & his wife Sophie of Upper Lotharingia (-26 Oct 1092, bur Toul Cathedral). The Chronicon of Bernold records the death "1092 VII Kal Nov…in civitate Leucorum" of "Beatrix soror Friderici marchionis et uxor quondam Berthaldi ducis" and her burial by the bishop of the same place[28]. Duke Berthold & his first wife had five children:

i) HERMANN ([1045/48]-Cluny 26 Apr 1074). The Genealogia Zaringorum names "Berchtoldus" as son of "Berchtoldus Cum-barba", and "Hermannus" as brother of "Berchtoldus [et] Gebehardo", specifying that Hermann was appointed "in marchionem" but abandoned his post to become a monk at Cluny[29]. Wegener cites a charter dated 1050 witnessed by Hermann and his father[30]. Graf von Limburg bei Weilheim 1064. Graf im Breisgau. He was installed in 1072 as Marchese di Verona. The Annales of Berthold record that "Herimannus marchio, filius ducis Bertholdi, adolescens adhuc" left all his possessions, his wife and only son in 1073 to become a monk at Cluny[31]. The Chronicon of Bernold records the death "1074 VII Kal Mai" of "Heremannus marchio, filius Bertaldi ducis", commenting that "adhuc adolescens" he had left his wife and only son to become a monk at Cluny[32]. m JUDITH von Calw, daughter of [HESSO] II Graf im Sülchgau Herr von Backnang & his wife --- (-Salerno 27 Sep 1091, bur Backnang). The wife of "Hermannus [1] marchio" is named "Iudinta" in a list of founders of the monastery of St Peter in Schwarzwald[33]. The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet been identified. Heiress of Backnang. Graf Hermann [I] & his wife had one child:

(a) HERMANN [II] (-after 28 Dec 1122, bur Backnang Stiftskirche). The Annales of Berthold record that "Herimannus marchio, filius ducis Bertholdi, adolescens adhuc" left all his possessions, his wife and only son in 1073 to become a monk at Cluny[34]. The primary source which confirms his name has not yet been identified. Graf im Breisgau 1087. Markgraf 1089. Markgraf von Limburg 1100. Graf im Ufgau 1102. Markgraf von Baden 27 Apr 1112.

- MARKGRAFEN von BADEN.

ii) BERTHOLD ([1050]-12 Apr 1111, bur St Peter in Schwarzwald). The Genealogia Zaringorum names "Berchtoldus" as son of "Berchtoldus Cum-barba", referring to him first among the brothers, specifying that he was buried at St Peter in 1111[35]. He was installed in 1092 as BERTHOLD II Duke of Swabia. He was installed in 1092 as BERTHOLD II Duke of Carinthia, in opposition to Duke Heinrich II [Eppenstein]. Herzog von Zähringen 1100.

- HERZOGEN von ZÄHRINGEN.

iii) GEBHARD (-12 Nov 1110). The Genealogia Zaringorum names "Gebehardo Constantiensi episcopo" as brother of "Berchtoldus"[36]. The Zwiefaltensis Chronicon names "Gebehardum Constantensem episcopum, Bertolfi ducis germanum" when recording his death "II Id Nov 1110"[37]. The Casus Monasterii Petrishusensis names "Gebehardus vir nobilissimus frater Bertholdi ducis de Zaringin" specifying that he was "prepositus apud Xantum"[38]. Provost at Xanten. Monk at Hirsau before 1084. Bishop of Konstanz 1084-1110. Papal legate in Germany 1099-1107.

iv) RICHINZA von Spitzenburg (bur Schaffhausen Allerheiligen). The primary source which confirms her parentage and two marriages has not yet been identified. Heiress of Kirchen. 1092/[1110]. m firstly --- von Frickingen . m secondly LUDWIG von Sigmaringen [Helfenstein] (-before 1092).

v) LIUTGARDE (-18 Mar [1119]). Wegener refers to the "tabula consanguinitatis" of Wibald von Corvey which names Liutgard as the daughter of "Bertolfus cum Barba" and mother of "marchio Theobaldus"[39]. The Fundatio Monasterii Richenbacensis names "Lukardis" as mother of "marchio Dietpaldus" in connection with the foundation of Reichenbach[40]. The primary source which confirms her second marriage has not yet been identified. m firstly DIEPOLD [II] von Giengen Markgraf im Nordgau, son of DIETPOLD [I] Graf [von Cham] [Ratpotonen] & his wife --- (-killed in battle near Wellrichstadt 7 Aug 1078). m secondly ERNST von Grögling Graf von Ottenburg, son of [HARTWICH [II] Graf an der unteren Ampar & his wife Avisa ---] (-12 Jan [1096/97]).

2. GEBEZON . The Genealogia Zaringorum names "Bezelinus comes" and his brother "Gebezone" as the first known members of the Zähringer family, specifying that they built Kloster Sulzburg near Mühlheim[41].

Chapter 2. GRAFEN im LINZGAU und in ALTDORF (WELF)

The Genealogia Welforum[42], the first genealogy of the Welf family, was compiled in the mid-1120s in upper Germany and a decade later in Lüneburg. A document comprising ten short paragraphs, it is uncertain whether the earlier parts of the family are accurately represented: in particular there is an apparent conflation of one generation (see below). This was followed in [1170] by the Historia Welforum, written by an anonymous Swabian cleric in the entourage of Duke Welf [VI]. This repeats the often stated Trojan origin of the Franks, with the migrants settling on the banks of the Rhine, and more specifically the descent of the Welf family from "filiam…senatoris Romani…Katilina"[43]. The name Welf was not applied to the whole dynasty until the 12th century, this unusual first name being an abbreviation of "Welfhard" or "Bernwelf" and signifying puppy[44]. Migrating into Swabia from the area of Metz, the family's territories were at first centred around the Argen and Schussen, districts north-east of Lake Constance. They expanded northwards along the Lech river, acquiring a second power-base in the Ammer and Augst districts on the border with Bavaria[45]. The reduction in the central authority of the dukes of Swabia within their duchy enabled the Welf family to increase its own power from the end-11th century, from which time they exercised the authority of dukes in their extensive territories without the ducal title.

WELF [I], son of ROTHARD Graf & his wife --- (-[824/25]). Settipani names Welf [I] as son of Rothard[46] but does not cite the primary source on which this is based. The Annalista Saxo names "de principibus Bawarorum qui fuit binomius, name et Eticho et Welfus dicebatur" who was father of Empress Judith[47]. From the area of Metz. Moved to Bavaria. Graf in Swabia.

m HEILWIG, daughter of ---. Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names "filiam Hwelfi ducis sui, qui erat de nobilissima progenie Bawariorum…Iudith…ex parte matris…Eigilwi nobilissimi generic Saxonici" as second wife of Emperor Ludwig[48]. She was installed as Abbess of Chelles, near Paris, through the influence of her daughter Empress Judith.

Welf [I] & his wife had four children:

1. RUDOLF [I] (-15 Oct 866). Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names (in order) "Chuonradum et Ruodolfum" as brothers of Empress Judith[49]. He was given the abbeys of Saint-Riquier and Jumièges, through the influence of his sister Empress Judith. The Chronique de Saint Riquier records that "Rodolphe…du sang imperial…oncle du glorieux roi Charles" succeeded abbé Louis as lay abbot of Saint-Riquier[50]. The Annales Alamannicorum record "Hruodolfus frater Iudith Augustæ" among those who swore allegiance in 864[51]. Comte de Sens. The Annales Bertiniani record the death in 866 of "Rodulfus Karoli regis avunculus"[52]. The Adonis Continuatio records the death in 866 of "avunculus quoque eius [Carolo, Ludovici filii"] Radulfus, consiliarius primusque palatii"[53]. Two contemporary Epitafia commemorate "nobilis…Rhuodulfus", the second recording his death "Idus octavo"[54]. m HRUODUN, daughter of --- (-after 867). The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified.

- COMTES de SENS.

2. CONRAD "l'Ancien" (-after 862). Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names (in order) "Chuonradum et Ruodolfum" as brothers of Empress Judith[55]. Graf von Linz- und Argengau. Dux. Nithard records that Conrad and his brother Rudolf were forcibly tonsured in [Apr 830] by their sister's stepson, Lothar, then in revolt against his father, and sent to Aquitaine "to be held by Pepin"[56]. Comte de Paris. An agreement between Charles II "le Chauve" King of the West Franks and his brother Ludwig II "der Deutsche" King of the East Franks dated Jun 860 names "nobilis ac fidelibus laicis…Chuonradus, Evrardus, Adalardus, Arnustus, Warnarius, Liutfridus, Hruodolfus, Erkingarius, Gislebertus, Ratbodus, Arnulfus, Hugo, item Chuonradus, Liutharius, Berengarius, Matfridus, Boso, Sigeri, Hartmannus, Liuthardus, Richuinus, Wigricus, Hunfridus, Bernoldus, Hatto, Adalbertus, Burchardus, Christianus, Leutulfus, Hessi, Herimannus, item Hruodulfus, Sigehardus"[57]. "Ludowicus…rex" confirmed an exchange between Grimald abbot of St Gallen and "quidam comis…Chuonratus" relating to property in Linzgau and Argengau, by charter dated 1 Apr 861[58]. A poem by Walahfridus Strabus records the epitaph of "Chonradum comitem"[59]. m ADELAIS [Aelis] [de Tours], daughter of HUGUES Comte [de Tours] & his wife Ava ---. The Miraculis Sancti Germani name "Adheleid" as wife of "Chuonradus princeps"[60]. A poem by Walahfridus Strabus records the epitaph of "Adelheidam"[61]. Some secondary works[62] assert that the second husband of Adelais was Robert "le Fort" [Capet]. If this is correct, Adelais must have been Comte Robert's second wife as his known children were already born by the time Adelais's husband Conrad died. Settipani[63] states that the only basis for the assertion is a 12th century interpolation in the Chronicle of Saint-Bénigne de Dijon, which is of little historical value. Nevertheless, he suggests that it is likely that the wife of Comte Robert was a close relation of Adelais, although the basis for this is not known. Comte Conrad & his wife had [five] children:

a) WELF (-before 876). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Linzgau 842/850. Graf im Alpgau 852/858. m ---. The name of Welf's wife is not known. Graf Welf & his wife had [two possible children]:

i) [CONRAD . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Linzgau.]

ii) [ETICHO (-after 911, bur Ammergau). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Graf im Ammergau.]

- see below.

b) CONRAD (-876). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. He helped save Charles II "le Chauve" King of the West Franks after the invasion of Ludwig II "der Deutsche" King of the East Franks, and was rewarded by being invested as Comte d'Auxerre in 859. He fell into disgrace in 861, and passed into the service of the sons of Emperor Lothar. He received from Emperor Louis the territories of Genève, Lausanne and Sion. Marquis de Transjurane in Dec 864 after he killed comte Hubert [Bosonide][64].

- KINGS of BURGUNDY.

c) HUGO (-Orléans 12 May 886, bur Saint-Germain d'Auxerre). The Annales Bertiniani name "Hugoni clerico, avunculi sui [=Karoli regis] Chonradi filio" when recording that he received the counties of Tours and Angers in 866[65]. Abbot of Saint-Germain d'Auxerre 853. Imperial missus in Auxerre in 853. Abbot of Saint-Riquier until 861. Abbot of Saint-Bertin 859/62. He was a supporter of King Lothar 861/865. He was elected Archbishop of Köln in 864. The Annales Xantenses record that "quidam tirannicus Hugo…filius predicti Cuonradi" (the previous paragraph naming "Cuonradi fratris quondam Iuthit reginæ") succeeded as archbishop of Köln[66]. Comte d'Auxerre 865. Marquis de Neustrie, Comte de Tours et d'Angers 866. Abbot of Saint-Martin de Tours 866. Abbot of St Vaast, Arras [874]. Abbot of Saint-Aignan, Orléans before 876. Abbot of Saint-Julien d'Auxerre 877. Chaplain of the imperial chapel in [880]. "Hugo consobrinus eius [Conradi]" succeeded his cousin [as Abbot of Saint-Colombe de Sens] in 882, recording that he was "clericatus in Palatio"[67]. "Karolus…imperator augustus" confirmed a donation by "Hugo…propinquus noster" of property "villam Apiarias in pago Aurelianensi" to "episcopo Adalaldo archiepiscopo simulque Rainoni episcopo, fratri eiusdem" at the request of "Odo comes" by charter dated 27 Oct 886[68]. Regino records the death in 887 of "Hugo abba" at Orléans and his burial "apud Sanctum Germanum Autisiodoro"[69].

d) RUDOLF . The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified.

e) [JUDITH]. The identity of Udo's wife is not known with certainty. According to Jackman[70], she may have been the daughter of Konrad Graf im Linz- und Argengau, whom he speculates was named Judith. King Arnulf in a charter dated 19 May 891 names "Chonradi…comitis et nepotis nostri"[71]. The speculation is that the relationship may have been through Konrad's mother who, if identified as the daughter of Graf Konrad, was the niece of King Arnulf's paternal grandmother Queen Hemma. m UDO Graf im Lahngau, son of GEBHARD Graf im Niederlahngau [Konradiner] & his wife ---. 860/879.]

3. JUDITH ([805]-Tours 19 Apr 843, bur Tours Saint-Martin). Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris names "filiam Hwelfi ducis sui, qui erat de nobilissima progenie Bawariorum…Iudith…ex parte matris…Eigilwi nobilissimi generic Saxonici" as second wife of Emperor Louis, specifying that she was "enim pulchra valde"[72]. The Vita Hludowici Imperatoris records the marriage of "Iudith filiam Welponis…comitis" and Emperor Louis I[73]. The Annales Xantenses record the marriage in Feb 819 of "Ludewicus imperator" and "Iudith"[74]. Judith was influential with her husband, which increased the tensions with his sons by his first marriage. Thegan's Vita Hludowici Imperatoris records that "quondam duce Bernhardo, qui erat de stirpe regali" was accused of violating "Iudith reginam" but comments that this was all lies[75]. Judith was exiled to the monastery of Sainte-Croix de Poitiers during the first rebellion of her stepsons in 830, was released in 831, but exiled again to Tortona in Italy in 833 from where she was brought back in Apr 834[76]. The necrology of the abbey of Saint-Denis records the death "XIII Kal Mai" of "Judith regina"[77]. The Annales Xantenses record the death in 843 of "Iudhit imperatrix mater Karoli" at Tours[78]. m (Aix-la-Chapelle Feb 819) as his second wife, Emperor LOUIS I, son of Emperor CHARLES I "Charlemagne" King of the Franks & his second wife Hildegardis (Chasseneuil-du-Poitou {Vienne} [16 Apr/Sep] 778-island in the Rhine near Ingelheim 20 Jun 840, bur bur Metz, église abbatiale de Saint-Arnoul).

4. EMMA [Hemma] (-31 Jan 876, bur Regensburg St Emmeran). The Annales Xantenses record the marriage in 827 of "Ludewicus rex" and "sororem Iudith imperatricis" but does not name her[79]. This appears to be the only source in which her origin is given. "Ludowicus…rex" made a donation to St Felix & Regula in Zurich naming "filia nostra Bertha…[et] coniugis nostræ Hemmæ" by charter dated 29 Oct 863[80]. The Gesta Francorum records that "Hemma quoque regina" became paralysed in 874, died at Regensburg in 876 and was buried in the church of St Emmeran[81]. The necrology of Regensburg St Emmeran records the death "II Kal Feb" of "Hemma regina hic sepulta"[82]. The necrology of Augia Divis records the death "II Kal Feb" of "Hemma regina"[83]. The necrology of Nonnberg records the death "2 Kal Jan" of "Hemma imperatrix sor n^a"[84]. m (827) LOUIS King of Bavaria and Carinthia, son of Emperor LOUIS I "le Pieux" & his first wife Ermengardis [de Hesbaye] ([806]-Frankfurt-am-Main 28 Aug 876, bur Kloster Lorsch). He was installed in 843 as LUDWIG II "le Germanique" King of the East Franks.

ETICHO, son of [WELF [I] Graf im Linz- und Alpgau & his wife ---] (-after 911, bur Ammergau). The primary source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. The Historia Welforum names "Eticho…Iuditæ frater"[85] but this is chronologically impossible. Graf im Ammergau.

m ---. The name of Eticho's wife is not known.

Eticho & his wife had one child:

1. HEINRICH "mit dem goldenen Wagen" (-after 934). The Historia Welforum names "Heinricum I" as son of "Eticho"[86]. The Genealogia Welforum names "filium Heinricum et filiam Hiltigardam" as children of "Eticho", specifying that Hildegard married "Ludowicus Balbus imperator"[87] although the latter is clearly incorrect. This is repeated in the Urspergensium Chronicon[88]. According to legend, Heinrich was offered as a fief by the emperor as much land as he could plough at noon-day. Using a golden plough drawn by a relay of saddle horses, he encircled a large area while the emperor slept, hence his nickname[89]. He founded Kloster Altdorf in 935 at the foot of the family's main castle at Altdorf[90]. m ATA von Hohenwart, daughter of --- (-after 975). The Genealogia Welforum names "Atham" as wife of "Heinricum", but does not give her origin[91]. The Historia Welforum names "de Hohunwarthe in Baioaria, Beatem" as wife of "Heinricus"[92]. A member of a noble family in the Weltheim area, she brought territory in Bavaria to her husband[93]. Heinrich & his wife had three children:

a) ETICHO (- ----, bur Konstanz Cathedral). The Historia Welforum names (in order) "sanctum Counradum Constanciensem episcopum, Etichonem et Roudolfum" as the three sons of "Heinricus" & his wife, specifying that Eticho died without having married and was buried at Konstanz[94]. The Annalista Saxo names (in order) "tres fratres Rodulfus, Eticho, qui et Welphus, et Conradus; qui tempore Heinrici regis, patris Ottonis Magni extiterunt"[95]. The Genealogia Welforum names (in order) "sanctum Chunradum Constantinensem episcopum, Etichonem et Rudolfem" as children of "Heinricum" & his wife, specifying that Eticho died unmarried but left illegitimate children from whom descend "illi de Hezilescella, de Ustera, de Ramphteswilaren"[96]. Eticho had [---] illegitimate children by an unknown mistress:

i) children . The Historia Welforum refers to the daughter of Eticho and "de ministerialibus suis filiam" from whom were descended "de Heciliscella, de Ustera, de Raprehteswillare et eorum cognatio"[97].

b) [St.] KONRAD (-26 Nov 975). The Historia Welforum names (in order) "sanctum Counradum Constanciensem episcopum, Etichonem et Roudolfum" as the three sons of "Heinricus" & his wife, specifying that Konrad owned "Alidorf, et Wolpoteswende, Berge, Fronehoven…et omnia ultra fluvium nostrum Scuzina" from the paternal patrimony, exchanging these properties with his brother Rudolf for "Ensilingen, Audilvingen…in Alsatia Colmir et infra Retiam Curiensem Amidis, Flumines, Lugeniz"[98]. The Annalista Saxo names (in order) "tres fratres Rodulfus, Eticho, qui et Welphus, et Conradus; qui tempore Heinrici regis, patris Ottonis Magni extiterunt", specifying that Konrad was Bishop of Konstanz[99]. The Genealogia Welforum names (in order) "sanctum Chunradum Constantinensem episcopum, Etichonem et Rudolfem" as children of "Heinricum" & his wife[100]. Bishop of Konstanz 934.

c) RUDOLF (- ----, bur Altdorf). The Historia Welforum names (in order) "sanctum Counradum Constanciensem episcopum, Etichonem et Roudolfum" as the three sons of "Heinricus" & his wife[101]. The Annalista Saxo names (in order) "tres fratres Rodulfus, Eticho, qui et Welphus, et Conradus; qui tempore Heinrici regis, patris Ottonis Magni extiterunt"[102]. The Genealogia Welforum names (in order) "sanctum Chunradum Constantinensem episcopum, Etichonem et Rudolfem" as children of "Heinricum" & his wife[103]. 935. m --- (bur Altdorf). The primary source which confirms her marriage has not yet been identified. Rudolf & his wife had [two] children:

i) [RUDOLF (-10 Mar ----, bur Altdorf).]

- see below.

ii) [104]ETICHO (-988). Bishop of Augsburg.

RUDOLF, son of [RUDOLF Graf von Altdorf & his wife ---] (-10 Mar ----, bur Altdorf). All the near contemporary primary sources so far consulted name Rudolf, father of Heinrich and Welf [II] as the brother of Konrad Bishop of Konstanz. For example, Berthold's Chronicon of Zwiefalten names "Couniza, Welphonis primi nostri advocati mater, filia…Welphonis Carentorum ducis qui fuit Roudolfi fratris sancti Counradi filius"[105]. If this is correct, Ita von Öhningen would have been at least 40 years younger than her husband. As this seems unlikely, the most probable explanation is that there has been a conflation of two individuals, father and son, both named Rudolf but there is no proof that this is correct. The Historia Welforum records that "Roudolfus" was buried "in Altorfensi cenobio iuxta patrem et matrem"[106]. The necrology of Weingarten records the death "VI Id Mar" of "Ruodolfus com frater sancti Chuonradi…et Welf filius eius…hic sepulti"[107].

m ITA von Öhningen, daughter of KONRAD Duke of Swabia [Konradiner] & his wife Richlint --- ([970/75]-16 Oct ----). The Genealogia Welforum names "de Oningen Itam…cuius pater fuit Chuno comes, mater vero filia Ottonis Magni imperatoris" as wife of Rudolf[108]. The Historia Welforum refers to the four daughters of "Couno comes" and "filia Ottonis magnis imperatoris…Richlint", specifying that they married "una Roudolfo isti [=Welforum], alia cuidam de Rinveldin, parenti Zaringiorum, tercia regie Rugiorum, quarta comiti de Diezon"[109]. As noted in the document SWABIA DUKES, these two sources are unreliable in their recording of the sons of Konrad I Duke of Swabia, so should not be assumed to be any more precise in recording his daughters. Her birth date is estimated assuming that her parents married in [968]. The necrology of Weingarten records the death "XVII Kal Nov" of "Ita com uxor Ruodolfi comitis"[110].

Rudolf & his wife had three children:

1. HEINRICH (-15 Nov [1000]). The Genealogia Welforum names "Heinricum, qui apud Lonon in venatione saxo percussis interiit, et Gwelfum huius nominis primum" as sons of Rudolf and Ita[111]. The Historia Welforum names (in order) "Heinricum et Guelfonem et filiam Richgardam" as the children of "Roudolfus" & his wife, specifying that Heinrich was buried "sub annis adolescentie in Venusta valle iuxta villam Lounon in venatione saxo percussus"[112]. Graf in Altdorf. The necrology of Weingarten records the donation "VI Id Feb" of "predium Minigolsowe" by "Heinricus com filius Ruodolfi comitis hic sepultus"[113].

2. WELF [II] (-10 Mar 1030, bur Altdorf). The Genealogia Welforum names "Heinricum, qui apud Lonon in venatione saxo percussis interiit, et Gwelfum huius nominis primum" as sons of Rudolf and Ita, specifying that he was buried at Weingarten[114]. The Historia Welforum names (in order) "Heinricum et Guelfonem et filiam Richgardam" as the children of "Roudolfus" & his wife[115]. The Annalista Saxo names "Welphum comitem" as son of Rudolf (brother of Eticho/Welf and Konrad, although this appears difficult to sustain chronologically)[116]. Graf von Altdorf. Graf im Nori- und Inntal. "Heinricus…Romanorum imperator augustus" renewed the privileges of Kloster Fulda by undated charter, placed in the compilation with other charters dated 1020, witnessed by "Godifridi ducis, Berinhardi ducis, Thiederici ducis, Welphonis comitis, Cunonis comitis, Kunrati comitis, Ottonis comitis, Adilbrahtis comitis, Bobonis comitis, Friderici comitis, Bezilini comitis, Ezonis comitis palatini"[117], the order of witnesses presumably giving some idea of the relative importance of these named nobles at the court of Emperor Heinrich II at the time. His county around the Brenner pass was confiscated by Emperor Konrad II as a punishment for Welf having supported Ernst Duke of Swabia in his rebellion in 1030[118]. He built the castle of Ravensburg on his Swabian lands which became the family's chief residence[119]. The necrology of Weingarten records the death "VI Id Mar" of "Ruodolfus com frater sancti Chuonradi…et Welf filius eius…hic sepulti"[120]. m ([1015]) IRMTRUD [Imiza], daughter of FRIEDRICH Graf im Moselgau [Wigeriche] & his wife [--- von Hammerstein] [Konradiner] (-21 Aug [1055], bur Altomünster). The Historia Welforum names "de gente Salica de castro Glizberch, Imizam…sororem Heinrici ducis Noricorum et Friderici ducis Lotharingiorum et Adilberonis episcopi Metensis" as wife of "Guelfo…Roudolfi filius"[121]. The Genealogia Welforum names "Salice --- de Glizperch Imizam nomine, Heinrici Noricorum ducis sororem et Friderici ducis Lotharingorum et Alberonis Metensis episcopi" as wife of Welf, specifying that she was buried at Altenmünster and that her dowry was "villam Moringen et Elisinam curtem in Longobardia"[122]. Jordan suggests that the land in Lombardy was probably near Este[123], which could explain their daughter's marriage as her husband may have been a neighbouring landowner. After the death of her son, she contested his will under which he bequeathed all his property to the convent of Weingarten, and summoned her grandson from Italy to assume the inheritance in Swabia and Bavaria. The nuns of Weingarten were resettled in Altomünster in Bavaria, relocating the monks to Weingarten as part of the settlement of the dispute[124]. Herimannus names "Irmengarda, Welf comitis vidua" when recording the transfer to her of Altdorf by the monks[125]. The necrology of Weingarten records the death "XII Kal Sep" of "Irmindruot com que et Imiza mater Welfonis et Chuonize"[126]. Welf [II] & his wife had [three] children:

a) WELF [III] (-Burg Bodman 13 Nov 1055). The Historia Welforum names "filiam Chunizam…et filium…Guelfum" as the children of "Guelfo…Roudolfi filius", specifying that Welf acquired "ducatum Carinthiorum et marchiam Veronensem"[127]. Herimannus names "Welf comitem, Suevigenam, Welf dudum comitis filium" when recording his installation as Duke of Carinthia in 1047[128]. He transferred the convent of Altdorf to a site on Martinsberg and renamed it Weingarten[129]. He was installed as WELF I Duke of Carinthia and Marchese di Verona by Heinrich III King of Germany in 1047. He conspired with Konrad de Luxembourg Duke of Bavaria to depose Emperor Heinrich III, but the plot was discovered and Welf was deposed as Duke of Carinthia[130]. Under his will, he left all his property to the convent at Weingarten, intending to be buried there. His mother contested the testament on the grounds that she, as lawful heir, had not consented to it[131]. The necrology of Fulda records the death in 1055 of "Welf dux"[132]. The necrology of Weingarten records the death "Id Nov" of "Welfo dux Carinthie hic sepultus"[133].

b) KUNIGUNDE ([1020]-31 Mar before 1055, bur Vangadizza Monastery). The Annalista Saxo names "Cunizam" as daughter of Welf, and her husband "Azoni marchioni de Langobardia de castris Calun et Estin"[134]. The Genealogia Welforum names "Cunizam" as daughter of Welf and Imiza, specifying that she married "marchio Etius cum curte Elisina"[135]. m ([1035]) as his first wife, ALBERTO AZZO II Conte di Luni [Este], son of ALBERTO AZZO I Conte di Luni & his first wife Valdriada Candriada (-1097, bur Vangadizza Monastery).

c) [KONRAD (-27 Aug 1031). The Chronico Eberspergense records the death in 1031 of "Chuonradus…adoptivus filius Rihlindis amitæ eius"[136]. There is no indication of his parentage although Graf Welf [II] is the only one of Richlind's brothers who is known to have had children.]