Léopold V of Austria

Léopold V of Austria (* 1157, † December 31st 1194 with Graz) was duke of Austria of 1177 with 1194 and of the Styrie of 1192 with 1194. It belonged to the dynasty of Babenbergs. Léopold V was the son of Henri II Jasomirgott and the Byzantine princess Theodora Comnène as well as the father of Frederic I {{er}} and of Léopold VI.

The creation of Austria

The August 17th 1186 is negotiated the Acte of Georgenberg by which Léopold V inherits in 1192 the Styrie and of some territories in High-Austria. It is a first step in direction of current Austria.

The quarrel with Richard Lion-hearted and excommunication

Léopold especially remained famous because of its participation in the Third crusade where it disputed with Richard Lion-hearted either with Acre, or with Ascalon according to the sources. At the time of the return voyage in 1192, the king of England must stop with Vienna where it is captured with Erdberg (IIIe district current Landstrasse). During a certain time, the king is kept with Dürnstein Advent to be delivered to the emperor Henri IV. The enormous ransom of six-mille “Eimer” of Argent is used for the construction of the cast iron of currency Viennese, of a news Enceinte strengthened like for the foundation of the new cities of Wiener Neustadt and Friedberg.

For this act, the duke is excommunicated and punished prohibited by the Pape Célestin III. However, this decision was apparently never published. The bishop of Vérone is sent to transmit to Léopold V the conditions to raise excommunication: Léopold V must release the Otage S English, pay again the Rançon and leave in Holy Land in Croisade for the same duration as the captivity Richard Ist.

The conditions were not met yet when Léopold V already starts to prepare the news Croisade. However, it is wounded at the time of a Tournoi and breaks the leg. He then promises with the priest of Hartberg to fill all the requirements for the lifting of excommunication in the event of cure. A little later, it also promises with the bishop of Salzburg Adalbert to be subjected to the Pape. However, in spite of raised excommunication, Léopold V does not cure any more. He dies the December 31st 1194 following his wounds and is buried with the Abbaye of Heiligenkreuz.

The legend of the Austrian flag

According to the legend, the white Tunique of Léopold V was filled of Sang at the time of the Siège of Saint-Jean-in Acre. By removing its Ceinture then presented the Drapeau of Austria.

Sources

Heide Dienst, Die Babenberger 976-1246 , Kohlhammer, Stuttgart, 2005.
Michel Dugast Rusted, sovereign Houses of Austria , joined together Printing works, Lyon, 1967.
Karl Lechner, Die Babenberger. Markgrafen und Herzoge von Österreich 976-1246 , 6. , Böhlau, Vienna, 1996

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