Gero

Margrave Gero (born circa 900, died 965) was Margrave of the Ostmark. He is considered to be the founder of the later Mark Brandenburg.

Related Topics:
900 - 965 - Margrave - Ostmark - Mark Brandenburg

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He was born about 900 but nothing is known of his origins. In 939, Otto I the Great, Holy Roman Emperor entrusted him with the wars against the Slavic Wends, on the Elbe and lower Saale rivers. After bitter battles, Gero forced these tribes to pay tribute to the Holy Roman Empire. He eventually succeeded in subjugating the entire Slavic population between the Elbe and Oder rivers. His victorious campaign against Mieszko I of Poland led to Polish recognition of German sovereignty. Gero's last victory was in war in Lusatia in 963, in which he forced the western Slavic tribes Milzener and Lusitzi (in Latin, Milceni et Lusici) to obedience. Gero died in 965.

Related Topics:
939 - Otto I the Great, Holy Roman Emperor - Slavic - Wends - Elbe - Saale - Tribute - Holy Roman Empire - Oder - Mieszko I of Poland - Polish - German - Lusatia - 963 - Milzener - Lusitzi - Latin - 965

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Gero founded the ottonian and romanesque Collegiate church of St. Cyriacus in Gernrode in 960. His grave may still be seen there.

Related Topics:
Ottonian - Romanesque - Gernrode - 960

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Margrave Gero is not to be confused with Bishop Gero of Cologne, who gave the famous Gero Cross (Gero-Kreuz) to Cologne Cathedral circa 970.

Related Topics:
Bishop - Cologne - Cologne Cathedral - 970

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