Individual Details
Duke Hermann Billung von Sachsen
( - 27 Mar 973)
Hermann Billung was born in 900, the son of Billung, count of Saxony. He was one of the best-known members of the House of Billung. Hermann is generally counted as the first Billung duke of Saxony, but his exact position is unclear. King Otto I appointed Hermann margrave in 936, granting him the march north of the Elbe between the _Limes Saxoniae_ (Saxon Wall) and the Peene River. Having more autonomy than his contemporary margrave Gero, Hermann exacted tribute from the Polabian Slavs inhabiting the march of the Billungs. He often fought against the West Slavid tribes of the Redarians, Obotrites, and Wagrians.
By 953 Otto I, who was also duke of Saxony, began entrusting more and more of his authority in Saxony to Hermann during his absences, naming him _procurator regis._ However, Hermann is never named as duke in royal documents. Instead, he is named as a military leader _princeps militiae_, count, and margrave.
By an unnamed wife, Hermann had three children who would have progeny: Bernhard, Mathilde and Schwanhild/Suanehild.
Hermann had property around Lüneburg and founded the St. Michaeliskloster (monastery of St. Michael) in that city. He died in Quedlinburg on 27 March 973, and was buried in the St. Michaeliskloster. His son Bernhard inherited and strengthened his father's position, and managed to be recognised as duke.
Source: Leo van de Pas
By 953 Otto I, who was also duke of Saxony, began entrusting more and more of his authority in Saxony to Hermann during his absences, naming him _procurator regis._ However, Hermann is never named as duke in royal documents. Instead, he is named as a military leader _princeps militiae_, count, and margrave.
By an unnamed wife, Hermann had three children who would have progeny: Bernhard, Mathilde and Schwanhild/Suanehild.
Hermann had property around Lüneburg and founded the St. Michaeliskloster (monastery of St. Michael) in that city. He died in Quedlinburg on 27 March 973, and was buried in the St. Michaeliskloster. His son Bernhard inherited and strengthened his father's position, and managed to be recognised as duke.
Source: Leo van de Pas
Events
| Death | 27 Mar 973 | ||||
| Marriage | Hildegard von Westerburg |
Families
| Spouse | Hildegard von Westerburg ( - ) |
| Child | Duke Bernhard I von Sachsen (950 - 1011) |
| Child | Mathilde Billung von Sachsen ( - 1008) |