Gerberga of Saxony (also Gerberga of France) (c. 913–5 May 968/9 or 984?) was a member of the Ottonian dynasty and a descendant of Charlemagne. Her first husband wasGilbert, Duke of Lorraine. Her second husband was Louis IV of France. Contemporary sources describe her as a highly educated, intelligent and forceful political player.
Family
Gerberga was born c.913. She was the oldest daughter of Henry the Fowler, King of Germany, and his second wife, Matilda of Ringelheim. Her older brother was Otto I of Germany.
First marriage
In 928, Gerberga married her first husband, Gilbert, Duke of Lorraine.[1] They had four children:
- Alberade of Lorraine b. about 929. Married Renaud (originally as Ragenold), a Viking chieftain who became the Count of Roucy
- Henry, Duke of Lorraine b. about 932
Jocundus, a Lotharingia chronicler writing in the 1070s, recorded that Gerberga was the driving force behind Gilbert's decision to support her younger brother Henry when he rebelled against her older brother Otto I c.936.[2] Giselbert was defeated by Otto I in 939 at the Battle of Andernach and, while trying to escape, drowned in the Rhine.
Second marriage
When Gilbert died, Gerberga was about 26 years old. She married secondly Louis IV of France in 939. They were parents to eight children: