William III, Landgrave of Thuringia (d. 1482)

William III (1425–1482), known as 'the Brave' (or in German, Wilhelm der Tapfere), was a prominent figure in the complex tapestry of 15th-century Central European politics. Born on April 30, 1425, and passing away on September 17, 1482, he held the significant title of Landgrave of Thuringia from 1445. Additionally, through a strategic marriage, he became a claimant to the Duchy of Luxembourg, officially becoming Duke jure uxoris (in right of his wife) from 1457 until 1469.

Interestingly, the numbering of rulers in this period can be a little intricate. William III was actually the second ruler named William to govern Thuringia, and similarly, the second William to hold sway in Luxembourg. In the Margraviate of Meissen, however, he was the third individual bearing the name William to hold the Margravial title.

Family Background and Dynastic Connections

William III’s lineage placed him squarely within one of Europe’s most influential princely houses: the Wettin dynasty. He was a younger son of Frederick I 'the Warlike', who was the influential Elector of Saxony, and Catherine of Brunswick and Lunenburg. This parentage connected him to a network of powerful German principalities and ensured his upbringing was steeped in the political and military traditions of the era.

The Luxembourg Claim and Strategic Marriage

A pivotal moment in William's life, and indeed in his territorial ambitions, was his marriage on June 2, 1446, to Anne of Luxembourg. This was no ordinary union; Anne was the daughter of Albert II, who held the impressive titles of King of Germany, Bohemia, and Hungary, and Elisabeth of Luxembourg. This marriage was a masterstroke, as it provided William with a legitimate claim to the prestigious Duchy of Luxembourg. Consequently, on behalf of his wife, he ascended to the ducal title in Luxembourg, reigning from 1457 until 1469. However, the political landscape of the time was highly volatile, and the Duchy of Luxembourg eventually fell under the control of the powerful House of Burgundy, effectively ending William's direct rule there.

The couple’s union produced two daughters: Margaret of Thuringia (born 1449, died 1501) and Catherine of Thuringia (born 1453, died July 10, 1534). Catherine later married Duke Henry II of Münsterberg, a notable union that further intertwined noble families across the Holy Roman Empire. The absence of male heirs, however, would have significant implications for the direct succession of William's personal lines of authority.

The "Judenkopf Groschen" and its Cultural Context

Among William III's various actions as a ruler, one of the most historically curious and, for modern sensibilities, controversial, was the minting of a specific silver coin known as the Judenkopf Groschen (literally, "Jew's Head Groschen"). The obverse side of this coin featured a distinctive portrait of a man with a pointed beard, conspicuously wearing a 'Jewish hat' (known as a Judenhut or Judenhut). This headwear was a distinct conical hat, often yellow, that Jews in many parts of medieval and early modern Europe were compelled to wear as a distinguishing mark, often as a form of social segregation or humiliation. The populace at the time commonly interpreted the coin's depiction as a representation of a stereotypical Jew.

This coin serves as a stark historical artifact, reflecting the prevailing social attitudes and widespread anti-Semitic prejudices common in many European societies during the late Middle Ages. While its exact purpose might have been to represent an 'outsider' or simply a distinctive figure on the coinage, its choice of imagery undoubtedly drew upon deeply ingrained societal stereotypes, making it a unique and somber testament to the complex and often troubling history of Jewish communities in Central Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions about William III 'the Brave'

What territories did William III rule or claim?

William III was the Landgrave of Thuringia from 1445. He also became the Duke of Luxembourg from 1457 to 1469 through his marriage to Anne of Luxembourg. Additionally, he was the third Margrave of Meissen named William.

Why was he known as 'the Brave'?

The epithet 'the Brave' (Wilhelm der Tapfere) was bestowed upon him, likely reflecting his perceived courage, his efforts in defending and consolidating his territories, or his persistence in pursuing his dynastic claims amidst the turbulent political landscape of the 15th century.

What was the significance of his marriage to Anne of Luxembourg?

His marriage to Anne of Luxembourg was highly significant as it gave him a legitimate, albeit contested, claim to the Duchy of Luxembourg. Anne was the daughter of Albert II, King of Germany, Bohemia, and Hungary, lending considerable prestige and a legal basis to William’s ducal title in Luxembourg, which he held jure uxoris (in right of his wife).

What was the 'Judenkopf Groschen'?

The Judenkopf Groschen was a silver coin minted by William III. Its most notable feature was the portrait on its obverse, which depicted a man with a pointed beard wearing a 'Jewish hat' (Judenhut). This imagery was widely understood by the populace as a representation of a typical Jew, reflecting contemporary societal stereotypes and prejudices of the era.

How many rulers named William preceded him in his territories?

William III was the second ruler named William to govern Thuringia and also the second ruler named William in Luxembourg. In the Margraviate of Meissen, he was the third Margrave to bear the name William.