Individual Details

Beatrix I of Bourgogne

(1145 - 1184)

Beatrice was born about 1143, the only daughter of Renaud III, comte de Macon, comte de Bourgogne, and Agathe de Lorraine. On 10 June 1156 at Würzburg she became the second wife of Emperor Friedrich I Barbarossa. They had twelve children of whom three sons would have progeny. By this marriage Friedrich obtained control over the vast county of Burgundy.

Beatrice was active at the Hohenstaufen court, encouraging literary works and chivalric ideals. She accompanied her husband on his travels and campaigns across his kingdom, and Friedrich was known to be under Beatrice's influence.

The poem _Carmen de gestis Frederici imperatoris in Lombardia,_ written about 1162, describes Beatrice upon her wedding day: 'Venus did not have this virgin's beauty, Minerva did not have her brilliant mind And Juno did not have her wealth, There never was another except God's mother Mary And Beatrice is so happy she excels her.'

Beatrice died on 15 November 1184.

Source: Leo van de Pas

Events

Birth1145
Death1184
MarriageFriedrich I, "Barbarosa" Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire

Families