!!!Babenbergerzeit

Babenberg Era, period in the history of Lower Austria from 976 to 1246 
during which the region became a political entity. 3 stages:

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1) Colonisation period 976-1100: The march is gradually expanded to 
its northern and eastern borders. The permanent location of most 
settlements is determined. The old settlement areas of the Alpine 
Fore-Land and the Weinviertel region are re-developed and settled more 
densely. Clearing of woods begins in the Pre-alps and in the 
Waldviertel region. A network of parishes is established.

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2) The march becomes a duchy: This period is marked by major 
developments: The Babenbergs expand their contacts, especially with 
the Staufer (Hohenstaufen) Dynasty, they participate in the Crusades, 
the march is raised to a dukedom, monasteries and towns are founded, 
castles are erected, landlordism develops, independent cultural 
development begins (especially building activities), and the 
cultivation of land is completed.

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3) Political organisation of the land: legal independence from Bavaria 
(duchy of Austria), supported through the founding and enlargement of 
towns, the granting of town charters, an independent church policy 
(attempt to found a bishopric, creation of new religious orders), the 
adoption of new construction principles (early Gothic style) and 
manifold cultural achievements ( Nibelungenlied, Minnesong). As the 
Babenberg territory grew, new towns gained importance. Up to the 
11%%sup th/%  century, Poechlarn, Melk and Gars had functioned as the 
margraves´ residences. Then Leopold III established a 
palace at Klosterneuburg, which was also temporarily used by 
Leopold VI, and Heinrich II took up residence in Vienna, 
which then became the centre of the country.

!Literature
H. Dienst, Werden und Entwicklung der babenbergischen 
Mark; H. Appelt, Das Herzogtum Oesterreich; both in: Oesterreich im 
Hoch-Mittelalter 907-1246, Geschichte Oesterr., vol. 2, ed. by the 
Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1991.


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