Albert I of Livonia
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Albert I of Livonia was a pivotal figure in the Christianization and conquest of Livonia (modern Latvia and Estonia) in the early 13th century. As the third bishop of Livonia, he founded the Order of the Brothers of the Sword in 1202 with papal permission. This military order was established to protect church conquests and forcibly convert the native pagan populations to Christianity. Albert was instrumental in establishing the city of Riga as a base for these operations. The Order, initially successful, eventually faced a significant defeat in 1236 and was reorganized as a branch of the Teutonic Knights in 1237.123
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EstoniaGerman conquestAlbert of Buxhoevden, who succeeded him as bishop, proved himself a shrewd colonizer, pacifying the “treacherous Livs” and forcing them to build the fortress of Riga. To popularize recruitment for his army, Albert dedicated Livonia to the Virgin Mary. In 1202 he established the Order…
Read MoreAlbert of Buxhoevden, who succeeded him as bishop, proved himself a shrewd colonizer, pacifying the “treacherous Livs” and forcing them to build the fortress of Riga. To popularize recruitment for his army, Albert dedicated Livonia to the Virgin Mary. In 1202 he established the Order…
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LatviaGerman ruleThe third bishop, Albert of Buxhoevden, with Pope Innocent III’s permission, founded the Order of the Brothers of the Sword in 1202. By the time they merged in 1237 with the Teutonic Order, they had conquered all the Latvian tribal kingdoms.
Read MoreThe third bishop, Albert of Buxhoevden, with Pope Innocent III’s permission, founded the Order of the Brothers of the Sword in 1202. By the time they merged in 1237 with the Teutonic Order, they had conquered all the Latvian tribal kingdoms.
Read More