Gerberga of Saxony

Gerberga of Saxony
Queen consort of France
Tenure	939–954
Spouse	Gilbert, Duke of Lorraine Louis IV of France
more... Issue
Lothair of France Matilda, Queen of Burgundy Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine
House	Ottonian
Father	Henry the Fowler
Mother	Matilda of Ringelheim
Born	913
Died	984

Gerberga of Saxony (c. 913–5 May 984) was a daughter of Henry the Fowler, King of Germany, and Matilda of Ringelheim.

Marriages

She married first Gilbert, Duke of Lorraine. They had four children:

• Alberade of Lorraine b. about 929. Married Renaud (originally as Ragenold), a Viking chieftain who became the Count of Roucy
• Henry, Duke of Lorraine b. about 932
• Gerberge of Lorraine b. about 935. Married Adalbert I of Vermandois.
• Wiltrude, b. about 937.

She married secondly Louis IV of France in 939. They were parents to eight children:

• Lothair of France (941–986)
• Matilda b. about 943; married Conrad of Burgundy
• Hildegarde b. about 944
• Carloman b. about 945
• Louis b. about 948
• Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine (953–993)
• Alberade b. before 953
• Henry b. about 953

Education and later life

Contemporary sources describe her as a highly educated, intelligent and forceful player in the political game of the time.

Louis IV died on 10 September 954. As a widow, Gerberga became a nun and served as the abbess of Notre Dame in Laon. She died in Reims, Champagne.

Sources

• Bouchard, Constance Brittain. (2001) Those of My Blood: Constructing Noble Families in Medieval Francia. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• "Women in power 750-1000" from Guide2womenleaders.com, last accessed January 13, 2007

External links

• von Sachsen line from thePeerage.com
• Royal Genealogies
• Find A Grave profile for Queen Gerberge
• Gerberga von Sachsen (913-969) on Familypedia

Preceded by Emma of France

Queen of Western Francia 939–954

Succeeded by Emma of Italy