Herman, Duke of Saxony

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Hermann (died 27 March 973, Quedlinburg) was a Saxon nobleman and the oldest well-known member of the House of Billung.

Hermann's parents are unknown. Hermann is generally counted as the first Billung duke of Saxony, but his exact position is unclear. By 953, King Otto I, who was also duke of Saxony, was entrusting more and more of his authority in Saxony to Hermann during his absences. However, Hermann was never named as duke in royal documents. Instead, he is named as military leader, count, and margrave. His son Bernard inherited and strengthened his father's position and managed to be recognized as duke.

Hermann's activities were centered around the northeastern borders of the Kingdom; he fought against the Slavic tribes of the Redarians, Abotrites, and Wagrians. He had property around Lüneburg and founded the monastery of St. Michael in that city.

[edit] Children

• Bernard (died 1011)
• Liudger (died 1011)
• Suanehild (died 1014), married Thietmar I, Margrave of Meissen and Ekkehard I, Markgrave of Meissen
• Imma, Abbess of Herford
• Mathilda (died 1008), married Baldwin III, Count of Flanders and Godfrey I, Count of Verdun

Preceded by Otto I

Duke of Saxony ?

Succeeded by Bernard I