Gerberga II, Abbess of Gandersheim
| Gerberga II | |
|---|---|
 Hrotsvit of Gandersheim passes her Gesta Ottonis to the emperor Otto I, in the background Gerberga, abbess of Gandersheim Abbey. Imagination on a woodcut by Albrecht Dürer from the first edition of the Opera Hrotsvite, Nürnberg 1501. | |
| Abbess of the Imperial Abbey of Gandersheim | |
| Reign | 956–1001 |
| Predecessor | Wendelgard |
| Successor | Sophia I |
| Born | c.940 |
| Died |
13 November 1001 Gandersheim Abbey |
| House | Ottonian Dynasty |
| Father | Heinrich I |
| Mother | Judith |
| Religion | Catholic |
Gerberga II (c.940 – 13./14. November 1001, also Gerbirg, Gerburg), was the second daughter of duke Heinrich I and his wife Judith and a niece of the emperor Otto I. She was Abbess of Gandersheim from 956 to 1001.[1]
Life
Gerberga's exact dates of birth and death are not known. The approximate year of birth 940 is deduced from sources. One source presents 13 November as the day of death, another one day later. Gerberga was sent for education to Gandersheim Abbey at an early age, and became abbess in 956. She supported her brother Heinrich II in his quest to achieve more influence for their family.
Heinrich I had founded Quedlinburg Abbey in 936, creating tension regarding the leadership of the abbeys. Another rivaling place was Essen Abbey which was also led by family members. In Gandersheim, Hrotsvit of Gandersheim wrote historical volumes regarding this political background, Gesta Ottonis and Primordia coenobii Gandeshemensis.[1] Gerberga encouraged her "effort and diligence in writing".[2]
Gerberga was given the care of Sophia, a daughter of Ottos II, possibly already designated as Gerberga's successor. Towards the end of her life, Gerberga seems to have been ill for a while. Her brother died when visiting her in 995.
Literature
- Winfrid Glocker: {{{2}}}
References
- 1 2 "Gerberga, abbess of Gandersheim". Epistolae. Retrieved 12 December 2015.
- ↑ Brown, Phyllis R; Wailes, Stephen L. (2012). A Companion to Hrotsvit of Gandersheim (fl. 960): Contextual and Interpretive Approaches. BRILL. p. 23. ISBN 9789004234390. Retrieved 12 December 2015.
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