Ernest

Ernest of Babenberg was a margrave who ruled in the eastern frontier territories of the Holy Roman Empire during the 11th century. He was involved in conflicts with the Hungarians and Moravians, and his family, the Babenbergs, gradually consolidated their power in Austria. Ernest's reign saw the temporary loss and subsequent recapture of territories, leading to the creation of the Neumark and Bohemian March. Despite setbacks, the Babenbergs survived and continued to expand their influence, laying the groundwork for their later rise to ducal status. The Babenberg dynasty played a significant role in the history of Austria, particularly during the later Babenberg period when they acquired the duchy of Steiermark and expanded their domains.12