Hermann Billung

Hermann Billung (900 or 912 – 27 March 973) was a Margrave of Saxony and one of the most well-known members of the House of Billung.

Hermann's parents are unknown. Hermann is generally counted as the first Billung Duke of Saxony, but his exact position is unclear. King Otto I appointed Hermann margrave in 936, granting him a march north of the Elbe between the Limes Saxoniae and Peene Rivers. Having more autonomy than his contemporary margrave Gero, Hermann exacted tribute from the Polabian Slavs inhabiting the March of the Billungs. He often fought against the West Slavic tribes of the Redarians, Abotrites, and Wagrians.

By 953 Otto I, who was also Duke of Saxony, began entrusting more and more of his authority in Saxony to Hermann during his absences. However, Hermann was never named as duke in royal documents. Instead, he is named as a military leader, count, and margrave. His son Bernard inherited and strengthened his father's position and managed to be recognized as duke.

Hermann had property around Lüneburg and founded the monastery of St. Michael in that city. He died in Quedlinburg.

Children

* Bernard (died 1011)
* Liudger (died 1011)
* Suanehild (died 1014), married Thietmar I, Margrave of Meissen and Ekkehard I, Markgrave of Meissen
* Imma, Abbess of Herford
* Mathilda (died 1008), married Baldwin III, Count of Flanders and Godfrey I, Count of Verdun