Hildegard von Bingen
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Middle Ages
- Categories: Women’s Issues, Literature, Publishing, Religion, Ethics
- Subcategories: Authors, Writers, Christianity, Christians, Churches, Empires, Dynasties, Holy Roman Empire, Catholic Church, Catholics, Saints, Prophets
- Curriculum: Women’s History, German History, Medieval History/Middle Ages
Article abstract: The first major German mystic, Hildegard, in her prolific writings and extensive preaching, exerted a widespread influence on religious and political figures in twelfth century Europe.
Early Life
Born in 1098 in Bermersheim bei Alzey, Rheinhessen (in modern Germany), Hildegard von Bingen was the tenth and last child of Hildebert von Bermersheim, a knight in the service of Meginhard, Count of Spanheim, and his wife, Mechtild. At her birth, her parents consecrated Hildegard to God as a tithe. As early as the age of three, Hildegard had...
[The entire page is 2591 words long]
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