Herman II, Duke of Swabia

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Herman II (also called Hermann) was a member of the Conradine dynasty and Duke of Swabia from 997 until his death in 1003. He was the son of Conrad I, Duke of Swabia. There is some debate about his mother: some sources say Reglint (Richlind), daughter of Liudolf and granddaughter of Otto I, while others say Judith, daughter of Adalbert of Marchtal.

In 997, after his father’s death, Herman II became duke of Swabia. He also accompanied Emperor Otto III on his second Italian campaign. When Otto III died in January 1002, Herman II, Henry II, and Eckard of Meissen all claimed the German throne, each arguing descent from Henry the Fowler. Eckard was assassinated in April 1002.

Most nobles at Aachen in April 1002 supported Herman II, but Henry II acted quickly and was crowned king by Archbishop Willigis on 7 June 1002. Herman initially resisted Henry’s kingship and even attacked Strasbourg, where his forces looted the episcopal church. By October 1002, Herman performed a deditio (submission) at Bruchsal and accepted Henry II as king, agreeing to repair the damage to Strasbourg.

At Christmas 1002, Herman was at the imperial court in Frankfurt, signaling improved relations with Henry II. In January 1003, Henry II required Herman to surrender control of the female monastery of St Stephen in Strasbourg to Bishop Werner of Strasbourg. Herman had married Gerberga of Burgundy, daughter of King Conrad of Burgundy, and they had two daughters, Gisela and Matilda.

Herman died on 4 May 1003. Contemporaries saw his death as divine punishment for desecrating the Strasbourg church. After his death, Henry II separated Alsace from Swabia and took control of the duchy, a situation that continued during the reign of Herman’s son, Herman III, who was placed under Henry II’s guardianship while still a minor.