# Beatrice I, Countess of Burgundy

> wife of Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor

**Wikidata**: [Q234219](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234219)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatrice_I,_Countess_of_Burgundy)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beatrice-i-countess-of-burgundy

## Summary
Beatrice I, Countess of Burgundy, was a noblewoman and consort of Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor, playing a key role in medieval European politics through her marriage and governance. As Countess of Burgundy, she ruled the region and influenced imperial affairs, leaving a legacy tied to the political union between Burgundy and the Holy Roman Empire.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1135 or 1143 (exact date and place unknown)  
- **Nationality**: Kingdom of Burgundy (modern-day eastern France/Switzerland)  
- **Known for**: Wife of Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor; ruler of the County of Burgundy  
- **Employer(s)/Affiliations**: Duchy of Burgundy, Holy Roman Empire  
- **Field(s)**: Nobility, politics  

## Contributions
Beatrice I, Countess of Burgundy, contributed to medieval European politics through her marriage to Frederick I, solidifying alliances between Burgundy and the Holy Roman Empire. As Countess, she governed the County of Burgundy, ensuring its integration into imperial structures. Her role as a noble consort and ruler supported the expansion of Hohenstaufen influence in the region.

## FAQs
**Q: When was Beatrice I, Countess of Burgundy, born and died?**  
A: She was born in 1135 or 1143 and died on November 15, 1184, or 1185, with sources varying slightly on exact dates.  

**Q: What was Beatrice I’s role in the Holy Roman Empire?**  
A: As the wife of Emperor Frederick I, she served as a political ally and helped strengthen ties between Burgundy and the Empire.  

**Q: What titles did Beatrice I hold?**  
A: She was Countess of Burgundy and Empress consort of the Holy Roman Empire through her marriage.  

**Q: Why is Beatrice I historically significant?**  
A: Her marriage to Frederick I secured a critical alliance, and her governance of Burgundy shaped regional politics during the 12th century.  

## Why They Matter
Beatrice I’s marriage to Frederick I, Holy Roman Emperor, cemented a strategic alliance that integrated Burgundy into the Empire’s sphere of influence. Her governance as Countess ensured the region’s stability and loyalty to Hohenstaufen rule, impacting the balance of power in medieval Europe. Without her, the political and territorial cohesion of the Holy Roman Empire might have been weaker, altering the trajectory of Central European history.

## Notable For
- **Titles**: Countess of Burgundy and Holy Roman Empress consort.  
- **Marriage**: Wife of Frederick I (Barbarossa), one of the most influential Holy Roman Emperors.  
- **Political Union**: Facilitated the union of Burgundy with the Holy Roman Empire.  
- **Lineage**: Member of the House of Ivrea, contributing to noble dynastic continuity.  

## Body

### Early Life and Lineage
Beatrice I was born between 1135 and 1143 into the House of Ivrea, a powerful noble family ruling the County of Burgundy. Her birth dates vary across sources, reflecting common ambiguities in medieval record-keeping. As a member of the regional nobility, she was positioned from birth to play a role in dynastic politics.

### Marriage and Reign
In 1156, Beatrice married Frederick I, Duke of Swabia and later Holy Roman Emperor, following the death of his first wife. This union strengthened Frederick’s authority in southwestern Europe and secured Burgundy as a loyal imperial territory. As Countess, Beatrice governed her homeland, often acting as a mediator between local interests and imperial policies. Her rule ensured Burgundy’s participation in Frederick’s campaigns, including conflicts in Italy.

### Death and Legacy
Beatrice died on November 15, 1184, or 1185 (sources differ), predating her husband by a year. She was buried in the cathedral of Haguenau, symbolizing her connection to both Burgundian and imperial heritage. Her legacy lies in the enduring political bonds she fostered, which kept Burgundy aligned with the Empire for generations.

### Historical Records and Identifiers
Beatrice I is documented in various historical catalogs, including the *Integrated Authority File* (GND 118654179) and *VIAF* (52483022). Her coat of arms (Blason Bourgogne-comté ancien(aigle).svg) reflects her noble status, while artifacts like the *Armreliquiar für Karl den Großen-05928.jpg* contextualize her within medieval religious and political traditions. These identifiers underscore her recognized role in European history, even amid limited biographical details typical of medieval women.

### Symbolism and Influence
Though few personal writings survive, Beatrice’s life exemplifies the strategic importance of noble marriages in shaping medieval governance. Her title and authority as Countess of Burgundy demonstrated the Empire’s reliance on regional nobles to maintain control over fragmented territories. This model of rule influenced later imperial policies, emphasizing dynastic alliances as tools of statecraft.

## References

1. Q56641870
2. Source
3. The Peerage
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Sejm-Wielki.pl