Rudolf I

A minor Swiss count elected King of Germany, he seized Austria and laid the foundation for six centuries of the House of Habsburg.

Life

Swiss count

Rudolph was originally Count of Habsburg in northwestern Switzerland, with modest lands. In 1273, as the Holy Roman Empire's "Interregnum" ended, the prince-electors chose this count of limited power, already past fifty, as King of Germany, thinking he would be easy to control.

Marchfeld

King Ottokar II of Bohemia refused to recognize him and held Austria, Styria and other lands. Rudolph allied with Hungary and in 1278 defeated Ottokar on the Marchfeld north of Vienna; Ottokar was killed in battle.

Enfeoffment of Austria

In 1282 he enfeoffed his sons Albert and Rudolph with Austria and Styria, and from then on the House of Habsburg was centered on Vienna. He was never crowned emperor; he died in 1291 and was buried in Speyer Cathedral.

Legacy

Rudolf I brought a small Swiss family onto the European political stage, and Habsburg rule over Austria lasted until 1918.

Did you know? It is said that, sensing his death approaching, he rode to the imperial burial ground at Speyer and died shortly after arriving.

Key dates

• 1218Born
• 1273Elected King of Germany
• 1278Defeats Ottokar II at the Battle on the Marchfeld
• 1282Grants Austria to his sons
• 1291Died