Hermann Billung

Hermann Billung was the founder of the Billung dynasty, which ruled in Saxony during the 10th and 11th centuries. In 936, German king Otto I granted Hermann a march, or border territory, on the lower Elbe River to defend against the Slavic Wends. While Otto I gave Hermann extensive authority, he did not grant him the ducal title. Hermann's son, Bernhard I, developed the ducal status and title, which was then passed down through his descendants. The Billung family expanded their conquests eastward, contributing to the Christianization of these lands, though their territory comprised only a portion of the former stem duchy of Saxony. The family line eventually died out in 1106 with the death of Magnus Billung.1