Deaths on January 7

Gerlach I of Nassau-Wiesbaden

Gerlach I of Nassau: A Pivotal Figure in the House of Nassau (1271–1361)

Gerlach I, born in 1271 and passing away on 7 January 1361, was a prominent Count of Nassau whose territories encompassed the strategically important regions of Wiesbaden, Idstein, Weilburg, and Weilnau. His long life and influential marriages played a crucial role in consolidating and expanding the dynastic reach of the House of Nassau during a complex period of medieval European history. As the son of a Holy Roman Emperor, Gerlach's lineage provided a foundation of immense prestige and political leverage for his branch of the family.

Imperial Lineage and Foundations of Power

Gerlach I was the son of Emperor Adolf of Nassau-Weilburg and Imagina of Isenburg-Limburg. His father, Adolf, held the esteemed position of King of the Romans (effectively Holy Roman Emperor-elect) from 1292 until his untimely death in 1298 at the Battle of Göllheim against Albert I of Habsburg. This direct imperial connection significantly elevated the standing of the House of Nassau within the Holy Roman Empire, setting a precedent for future generations and providing Gerlach I with unparalleled inherited influence and a strong claim to prominence among the empire's nobility.

First Marriage and Strategic Dynastic Alliances

Gerlach I entered into his first marriage in 1307 with Agnes of Hesse. This union was a significant strategic alliance, connecting the House of Nassau with the powerful Landgraviate of Hesse and, through Agnes's maternal lineage, with the influential House of Wittelsbach. Agnes was the daughter of Henry the Younger of Hesse and Agnes of Bavaria, Margravine of Brandenburg-Stendal, and a granddaughter of Landgrave Henry I "the Child" of Hesse, the founder of the Landgraviate of Hesse. This marriage established vital relationships that would benefit the Nassau dynasty for generations.

Children from the Marriage with Agnes of Hesse:

• Adolph I, Count of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein (1307 – 17 January 1370, Idstein). He succeeded his father as Count of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein, ensuring the continuation of this important line within the Nassau territories.
• John I of Nassau-Weilburg (1309 – 20 September 1371, Weilburg). He became Count of Nassau-Weilburg, founding a distinct and highly significant branch of the family that would later play a crucial role in European history.
• Gerlach (1322 – 12 February 1371, Aschaffenburg), who rose to become the highly influential Archbishop of Mainz. As one of the Prince-Electors of the Holy Roman Empire, he wielded considerable temporal and spiritual power, holding a key vote in the election of future emperors and serving as a prominent ecclesiastical figure. His position brought immense prestige and political weight to the House of Nassau.
• Adelheid (died 8 August 1344), who married Ulrich III, Lord of Hanau, in 1329. This marriage forged another important alliance with the noble House of Hanau, strengthening Nassau's regional network.
• Agnes, who chose a religious life and became a nun at Klarenthal Abbey, a prominent Cistercian convent near Wiesbaden that was often patronized by the Nassau family.
• Elisabeth (circa 1326 – circa 1370), married to Louis of Hohenlohe before 16 August 1326, further extending the family's dynastic reach into the House of Hohenlohe.
• Marie (died 1366), who married Konrad of Weinsberg before 1336, adding another significant noble family, the Lords of Weinsberg, to the network of Nassau's alliances.

Second Marriage and Notable Descendants

Gerlach I married a second time before 4 January 1337, to Irmgard of Hohenlohe-Weikersheim. She was the daughter of Kraft II of Hohenlohe-Weikersheim, representing another strategic alliance with the powerful House of Hohenlohe, this time from a different branch. This marriage further solidified the House of Nassau's connections within the intricate web of medieval European nobility.

Children from the Marriage with Irmgard of Hohenlohe-Weikersheim:

• Kraft of Nassau-Sonnenberg (died 1356). Tragically, Kraft lost his life in 1356 during the pivotal Battle of Poitiers. This major engagement was a decisive English victory against the French during the Hundred Years' War, renowned for the English longbowmen's effectiveness and the capture of King John II of France. Kraft's death at such a historically significant battle underscores the active military involvement of the Nassau nobility in the conflicts of their time.
• Rupert, Count of Nassau-Sonnenberg (died 4 September 1390). He continued the Nassau-Sonnenberg line, demonstrating the House of Nassau's ability to maintain and expand its territorial influence through successive generations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gerlach I of Nassau

Who was Gerlach I of Nassau?

Gerlach I of Nassau (1271–1361) was a prominent Count of Nassau, ruling territories including Wiesbaden, Idstein, Weilburg, and Weilnau. He was the son of Emperor Adolf of Nassau and a key figure in consolidating the influence of the House of Nassau through strategic marriages and his children's high-ranking positions.

What was the significance of Gerlach I's father, Emperor Adolf of Nassau?

Gerlach I's father, Adolf of Nassau, was unique as the only member of the House of Nassau to become King of the Romans (Holy Roman Emperor-elect), reigning from 1292 to 1298. This imperial lineage conferred immense prestige and political leverage upon Gerlach I and the entire Nassau dynasty, distinguishing them among other noble houses.

Which of Gerlach I's children held a particularly influential position?

His son, Gerlach (1322–1371), born from his first marriage, rose to become the Archbishop of Mainz. This was an exceptionally powerful role, as the Archbishop of Mainz was one of the three ecclesiastical Prince-Electors of the Holy Roman Empire, holding significant temporal and spiritual authority and a crucial vote in the election of emperors.

What historical event is associated with Gerlach I's son, Kraft of Nassau-Sonnenberg?

Kraft of Nassau-Sonnenberg, Gerlach I's son from his second marriage, tragically died in 1356 at the Battle of Poitiers. This was a major battle during the Hundred Years' War, where the English achieved a decisive victory over the French, leading to the capture of the French King John II.