# Rudolph II of Burgundy

> King of Burgundy from 912 to 937

**Wikidata**: [Q442257](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q442257)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolph_II_of_Burgundy)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rudolph-ii-of-burgundy

## Summary
Rudolph II of Burgundy was a sovereign who ruled as King of Burgundy from 912 to 937. A member of the Elder House of Welf, he is primarily known for his 25-year reign over the Kingdom of Burgundy, a medieval polity in Western Europe. His rule contributed to the political landscape of the region during the Early Middle Ages.

## Biography
- **Born**: 880 or 888 (exact date uncertain)  
- **Nationality**: Burgundian  
- **Known for**: Reign as King of Burgundy (912–937)  
- **Employer(s)**: Kingdom of Burgundy  
- **Field(s)**: Sovereign rule, medieval European politics  

## Contributions
- **Reign as King of Burgundy (912–937)**: Consolidated authority over the Kingdom of Burgundy, a territory encompassing parts of modern-day Switzerland, France, and Italy. His rule spanned a critical period in medieval European history, though specific legislative or military achievements are not detailed in surviving records.  

## FAQs
- **When did Rudolph II of Burgundy reign?**  
  He ruled as King of Burgundy from 912 until his death in 937, a tenure of approximately 25 years.  

- **What titles did he hold?**  
  He was known as King of Burgundy (Rex Burgundiae), with variants of his name including Rudolphus, Rodolphus, and Rudolf II.  

- **Is there uncertainty about his birthdate?**  
  Yes, historical records list conflicting birth years: 880 and 888. The exact date remains unclear.  

## Why They Matter
Rudolph II of Burgundy played a foundational role in shaping the medieval Kingdom of Burgundy, a strategic territory that influenced regional power dynamics. His reign provided continuity during a fragmented period in European history, though the full scope of his political or cultural impact is not extensively documented. Without his leadership, the trajectory of Burgundian governance and its interactions with neighboring realms might have differed.  

## Notable For
- **25-year reign**: One of the longer tenures among early medieval Burgundian rulers.  
- **Multilingual documentation**: Referenced in historical records under multiple names (Rudolphus, Rodolphus, Rudolf II).  
- **Association with the Elder House of Welf**: Part of a dynasty that influenced European politics.  

## Body
### Early Life and Reign  
Rudolph II was born in either 880 or 888, though his birthplace and familial background are not specified in surviving records. He ascended to the throne of Burgundy in 912, succeeding his father, Rudolph I. His reign lasted until his death in 937, marking a period of relative stability in the kingdom.  

### Titles and Aliases  
He is documented under several names, including Rudolphus, Rodolphus, and Rudolf II, reflecting variations in medieval Latin and Germanic naming conventions. His title as "King of Burgundy" (Rex Burgundiae) is consistently recorded, emphasizing his sovereignty over a territory that included regions of the western Alps and the Rhône Valley.  

### Historical Context  
The Kingdom of Burgundy emerged as a distinct polity in the 10th century, separate from the Kingdom of West Francia (modern France) and the Holy Roman Empire. Rudolph II’s rule coincided with the rise of the Ottonian dynasty in Germany and the fragmentation of Carolingian authority, though direct interactions with these powers are not detailed in the provided sources.  

### Documentation and Identification  
Rudolph II is cataloged in multiple international authority files, including VIAF (15157403), ISNI (0000 0004 3079 8351), and the German National Library (cnp00276350). These identifiers facilitate scholarly research into his life and reign. An associated image, *Rudolph Burgundy.jpg*, is linked to his entry in visual archives.  

### Legacy  
While specific achievements or policies from his reign are not enumerated in the source material, Rudolph II’s enduring presence in medieval chronicles underscores his role as a foundational figure in Burgundian history. His legacy is tied to the territorial and institutional continuity of the Kingdom of Burgundy, which persisted as a political entity until its incorporation into the Holy Roman Empire in the 11th century.  

### Genealogical and Academic References  
Rudolph II is indexed in genealogical databases (e.g., *I00120373*) and academic projects, such as the *Encyclopédie Larousse* and *Treccani* (Italian Encyclopedia). These references highlight his inclusion in broader narratives of European monarchies, even as detailed accounts of his governance remain limited.  

### Uncertainties and Omissions  
Key aspects of Rudolph II’s life, such as his family relationships, military engagements, or administrative reforms, are absent from the provided data. This reflects the fragmented nature of early medieval historiography, where many rulers are known primarily through brief chronicle entries or later genealogical reconstructions.  

### Conclusion  
Rudolph II of Burgundy remains a figure of interest for scholars of medieval European history, embodying the complex interplay of regional sovereignty and dynastic ambition that defined the Early Middle Ages. His reign, though not extensively documented, represents a critical thread in the tapestry of Burgundian identity and its evolution within the broader European context.

## References

1. La Préhistoire des Capétiens
2. [Source](https://www.digi-archives.org/pages/echos/ESM031031.pdf)
3. Genealogics
4. [Medieval Lands](http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/BURGUNDY%20KINGS.htm)
5. Integrated Authority File
6. [Historical Dictionary of Switzerland](http://www.hls-dhs-dss.ch/textes/i/I20778.php)
7. [Source](https://heiligen.net/heiligen/11/00/11-00-0937-rudolf.php)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%28freeText0%29=Rudolphus)
11. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Rudolphus%20)
12. CERL Thesaurus
13. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
14. Enciclopedia Treccani
15. Dizionario di Storia
16. Sejm-Wielki.pl