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XLV. Conrad I
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347 its name.2 Many a fine hero lay fallen there; so many Christians fell in battle they could not be counted. Duke Burchart was slain along with his men who lay there beside him. The Christians struggled until nightfall, but the Huns maintained control of the area, using ferocious measures. Louis ruled the Empire, the Book tells us for a fact, exactly twelve years. Then he fell out of a tower. Everything that happens is still God’s will. XLV Conrad I Conrad I (r. as German king 911–918) never was crowned emperor , but functioned as one nonetheless. Election as German king had the effect of making the recipient of that title into heir apparent for Roman emperor. Several German kings were never consecrated by the pope as emperors, but functioned as de facto emperors in the absence of consecrated ones. Bishop Hatto orchestrated the election of Conrad, son of Count Conrad of Lahngau, soon after the death of Louis the Child. The younger Conrad had a reputation for fairness in peace and skill in war. He dealt successfully with the Magyars and the Normans but did not succeed in curbing the power of the stronger duchies , particularly Saxony, relative to the Empire. When he felt death approaching he asked that, in the interest of the people, German kingship be passed on to his arch-rival, Henry of Saxony. Much of what follows, including the unexplained execution of dukes Erchenger and Perhtolt, is taken from the Würzburg Chronicle. 2. Frankfurt is Furt (Ford) of the Franks. 348 Chapter Forty-five when King Louis died without an heir, bishops and dukes came to Mainz, where a great council was held. They all came to the same conclusion in choosing one Conrad. His father was also named Conrad , according to what is written here. He had been killed by Albrecht, who held Babensberg as his own. From this the hatred first arose that brought on the end for all time of the friendship between Conrad’s house and his. Conrad judged the Empire energetically enough. Once again the Hungarians rose in arms and invaded Bavaria. Whatever they found there became their plunder and booty. Everything was lost to them. Also the earth bore neither grapes nor grain, nor any other kind of crops, afflicting the Christians with more than enough sorrows. King Conrad lost no time in assembling his forces in accordance with the advice of the dukes of Bavaria and Swabia. Because of their great suffering they prayed to God in heaven that he would give prosperity and victory to the king. They strongly resisted the Hungarian invasion. The Book confirms beyond any doubt that the king and his followers prayed to their Creator, pointing out that he himself was their peace. Our Lord heard their prayers. At the Inn River, they set up an ambush, calling upon God’s name as they located there. The Huns were moved by their overconfidence—that is always the way of the unblessed—and in their arrogance could remember only their old honors. They charged at the king with their banner held high. Wisely, the king held back his troops hidden for the ambush until the forces were about to join in combat. Conrad’s troops came at the Huns from behind and in front, until the Huns again were persuaded that it was time to flee. The Bavarians took vengeance for their slain wives and children, as the Huns were becoming exhausted. How many of those who knew no peace fell in battle no one can tell you. They all struck blows day and night until the conflict shifted to the Litach1 . The Huns had never experienced such a stinging defeat before. The wild Hungarians complained about their humiliation to the younger troops among them, saying that it would be better to ride into cer1 . The Litach River is also called the Leitha. [34.204.181.19] Project MUSE (2024-03-19 07:02 GMT) Conrad I 349 tain death than have to bear the disgrace of defeat. Unrealistic resolve inspired them for the moment. Before attacking again they took an oath that, whatever it might take to succeed in the battle, any man who rode away from danger—unless he was forced to do so by severe wounds—would have a stone tied around his neck and be drowned in the river, or he would be burned alive. And, yes, the Hungarians gave evidence of living up to their...