Chapter I (1187 - 1200): Duke of Prussia
Chapter I (1187 - 1200): Duke of Prussia
Heinrich the Lion returned from the English exile two years ago, but only now had enough time to reorganize his lands. He knew that only an efficient and well-going court could help him achieve his goals. Therefore he appointed the new Spy Master – his wife Matilda, Steward and Chancellor at his court. Since Heinrich had not any men in Braunschweig, the positions of Marshal and Chaplain remained vacant. Furthermore, Heinrich instituted type of government called Feudal Contract in his demesne, and put more power into the hands of nobility
(Social power set as follows: 20-20-20-40). He also ordered start researching in fields of Slash Weapons, Handicraft and Schools. First years after the return from England were difficult because Heinrich came back with no gold, piety or prestige. That was also one of the reasons why his wife Matilda got stressed. But with appointment of the new Steward, gold started pouring into his treasury very quickly
(Monthly income: 10.32). That was the right time to think how to strengthen the own position in the kingdom.
Heinrich's sons:
Before Heinrich could do anything, Germany jumped into the war with the Principality of Laodikeia in an effort to help the ally – the Byzantine Empire. Friedrich Barbarossa asked Heinrich to mobilize his troops, but he refused to do so. Maybe it was risky, but Heinrich didn’t want to give up his men for such futile campaign. He rather took care of domestic issues. He let build Court of Justice in both his provinces and later also School in Braunschweig. In February 1188 Heinrich married his daughter Richenza for a noble warrior who arrived to his court. Richenza proved to be a charismatic negotiator; therefore, Heinrich appointed her as the new Chancellor and her husband as the new Marshal. In January 1189 his eldest son came of age, and he was appointed as the new Steward. Later that year Heinrich found that he had the bastard son Rudolf. His wife Matilda – Spy Master was very upset and suggested get rid of the bastard, but Heinrich refused. In June 1190 Heinrich’s daughter Adelheid was born, but Heinrich didn’t have time to celebrate it. In January 1191 he silently died in the age of 61.
Heinrich the Lion dies
Now the rule over the Welf possessions passed to Heinrich the Lion’s eldest son – Heinrich. He could rely on the help of his younger brothers Lothar and Otto who took positions of Marshal and Steward at his court. Shortly after his accession, Heinrich let build Road Network in Lüneburg, which was supposed to help spread technologies from neighbors, but it only brought dysentery to his demesne. In January 1192 Heinrich married the only child of Konrad von Hohenstaufen, brother of the emperor and the Duke of Franconia, Agnes. This could help the Welfs to get the ducal title, which was a necessity for further expansion. But Heinrich forgot that German duchies had the Salic law that didn’t allow claims of females. So, when his first son Otto was born in February 1193, Heinrich’s celebrations seemed to be early. At that year Friedrich Barbarossa died during the crusade that was called to liberate Cordoba. His son united Germany and Italy, but some of the duchies rebelled against him. Also Heinrich took the opportunity and conspired against his liege
(Event: Heinrich receives Deceitful trait).
Heinrich's wife - a niece of Friedrich Barbarossa
In December 1193 Heinrich’s second son Nikolaus was born, and at that time Heinrich already knew that he had to find another way how to get the ducal title for himself. The colonization of the east seemed to be the easiest way. Moreover, he would continue something that his father began years ago. In January 1194, Heinrich’s court celebrated marriages of his brothers - Lothar’s with Agnes von Babenberg and Otto’s with Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, both coming from important German families. Finally in March 1194, Heinrich’s troops began a march to the Baltic, because he wanted to make use of Emperor’s busyness with rebelling vassals. Heinrich declared war on Tribe of Pruthenians and quickly captured their province of Sambia. Having seen his success, Heinrich decided to wage the war also against the Tribe of Prussia and captured the provinces of Marienburg and Chelminskie. Heinrich was wounded during one battle, but fortunately a miracle-worker came to his camp and offered to heal his wounds. In May 1195 Heinrich returned home, just on time to see the birth of his daughters Emma and Berta.
Battle of Galindia
The administration of the new pagan provinces appeared to be harder than expected. The Baltic pagans rebelled very often, and also the Teutonic Order claimed the Baltic lands to settle there. Heinrich refused all attempts to strip him of those provinces, because he needed them to create the title of Duke of Prussia. He still missed one province to form the ducal title; therefore, he claimed Galindia in September 1196. The County of Galindia was an independent county without strong allies, so Heinrich felt that his dream ducal title was very close. But first he had to bury his mother Matilda who died in winter 1196 and summon enough funds to finance the new campaign. In October 1198 the Pope called the next crusade with the new target – Cordoba. The German emperor joined the crusade and headed to Iberia, so Heinrich saw the chance to declare war on Galindia. In July 1199 his troops defeated Galindia forces, and conquered the province. In March 1200, Heinrich finally had enough gold to declare himself the Duke of Prussia. The ducal title opened him way for further expansion in Germany...
Heinrich declares himself the Duke of Prussia
Germany in 1200 - Heinrich's lands are dark green