Hemma
Emma of Altdorf, also known as Hemma (803/808 – 31 January 876) was the wife of Louis the German, and Queen consort of Eastern Francia.
Life
Her father was Welf, Count of Altorf; her mother was Heilwig of Saxony (born c. 775, died after 833), the daughter of Count Isanbart. Her sister was Judith (sometimes called of Bavaria), who was the second wife of Emperor Louis the Pious, and by marriage Queen and Empress of the Franks.
In 827 at Regensburg, Emma married Louis the German, son of the Carolingian Emperor Louis, and stepson of Emma's sister. She was thus from 817–843 Queen consort of Bavaria. She was given in 833, by her husband Louis, Obermünster Abbey in Regensburg.
She is described as having had great qualities: an uncommon courage and talent, deployed on more than one occasion. In particular, she led an army against Adelchis of Benevento, when he revolted against Louis the German; it is said that, frightened by the arrival of the Queen, the traitor fled by boat to seek safety in Corsica. The Annals of Saint-Bertin however reproach Emma for a pride which displeased the people of Italy.
With the Treaty of Verdun in 843, she became Queen Consort of Eastern Francia. She died on 31 January 876, and was buried in St. Emmeram's Abbey, Regensburg.
Family
By Louis, she had seven children:
- Hildegard (828–856)
- Carloman (829–880)
- Ermengard (died 866)
- Gisela of East Francia, married to Berctolf, Graf of Swabia. Grandmother of Cunigunde of Swabia, wife of Conrad I.
- Emma of East Francia
- Louis the Younger (830–882)
- Bertha (died 877)
- Charles the Fat (839–888)
Her sons became Kings; three of her daughters became nuns.
| Preceded by Ermengarde of Hesbaye |
Queen consort of Bavaria 817–843 |
Vacant Title next held by Liutgard |
| Preceded by Judith, daughter of Welf First following the Treaty of Verdun |
Queen consort of East Francia (Germany) 843–876 |
Succeeded by Liutgard, Queen consort of Saxony (Eventually Queen consort of East Francia) |
| Succeeded by Richardis, Queen consort of Swabia (Eventually Queen consort of East Francia) |
Sources
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