# Thietmar of Merseburg

> German bishop and historian (975–1018)

**Wikidata**: [Q275425](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q275425)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thietmar_of_Merseburg)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thietmar-of-merseburg

## Summary
Thietmar of Merseburg was a German bishop and historian (975–1018) known for his chronicle, the *Chronicon*, which documented events from the early 10th century to his death. His work provides valuable historical records of the Holy Roman Empire and the German lands during a period of political and religious transformation.

## Biography
- Born: Unknown (dates and place of birth not specified)
- Nationality: Germany
- Education: Unknown (no details provided)
- Known for: Authoring the *Chronicon*, a chronicle of German history
- Employer(s): Bishop of Merseburg (1012–1018)
- Field(s): History, religious leadership

## Contributions
- **Chronicon (c. 1018)**: Thietmar of Merseburg authored this chronicle, which records events from the early 10th century to his death. The work includes accounts of political, religious, and military developments in the Holy Roman Empire and German lands, providing a contemporary perspective on the era.

## FAQs
- **What was Thietmar of Merseburg known for?** Thietmar of Merseburg is known for his *Chronicon*, a historical account that documents events from the early 10th century to his death in 1018.
- **What role did Thietmar of Merseburg hold?** He served as the Bishop of Merseburg from 1012 until his death in 1018.
- **Where can I find a facsimile of Thietmar's Chronicon?** A facsimile edition of Thietmar's *Chronicon* was published in 1018, and modern editions are available for reference.

## Why They Matter
Thietmar of Merseburg's *Chronicon* is a primary source for understanding the political and religious landscape of the Holy Roman Empire during the late 10th and early 11th centuries. His work provides insights into the reigns of German kings and the conflicts between the Holy Roman Empire and neighboring powers. As a bishop, he also played a role in religious governance, though his historical contributions are his most enduring legacy.

## Notable For
- Authored the *Chronicon*, a key historical source for the late 10th and early 11th centuries.
- Served as Bishop of Merseburg, overseeing religious and administrative duties in the region.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Thietmar of Merseburg was a German bishop and historian active during the late 10th and early 11th centuries. Little is known about his early life, but he became the Bishop of Merseburg in 1012, a position he held until his death in 1018.

### Historical Contributions
Thietmar's most significant work is the *Chronicon*, a chronicle that records events from the early 10th century to his death. The *Chronicon* provides valuable historical context for the Holy Roman Empire and the German lands during a period of political and religious change. His accounts include details of royal reigns, military conflicts, and religious developments, offering a contemporary perspective on the era.

### Legacy
Thietmar of Merseburg's *Chronicon* remains a crucial historical document for scholars studying the late 10th and early 11th centuries. His work has been preserved in facsimile editions and continues to be referenced in academic research. As a bishop, he also contributed to the religious governance of Merseburg, though his historical writings are his most lasting impact.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. LIBRIS. 2012
3. Catholic-Hierarchy.org
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Bibliothèque nationale de France
7. BnF authorities
8. [Source](https://runeberg.org/authors/thietmar.html)
9. Digital Library for Dutch Literature
10. [Nordic Authors](https://runeberg.org/authors/thietmar.html)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. CONOR.SI
14. Sächsische Biografie
15. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
16. Sejm-Wielki.pl
17. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands