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Albert of Buxhoeveden

Type Figure Region Livonia Time c. 1165–1229 Also known as Albert, first bishop of Riga

A North German nobleman, he became bishop of Riga in 1199 and was a core organizer of the Livonian Crusade.…

Timeline

  1. 1199–1200Lübeck · LübeckIn 1199 he was appointed by Pope Innocent III as the first bishop of Riga; he organized a crusading army in Lübeck, preparing missionary work and conquest in Livonia and Estonia.
  2. 1201–1210Riga · RigaIn 1201 he chose a site at the mouth of the Daugava to found Riga, establishing a cathedral and castle. Between 1201 and 1210, using Riga as a base, he allied with the Brothers of the Sword and local Estonian chieftains to advance the Christianization and German colonization of Livonia and Estonia.
  3. 1211–1229Riga · RigaHe continued to consolidate the power of the Bishopric of Riga, mediated between the military order and the papacy, and took part in Livonian politics. He died in 1229 on his journey home; Riga had by then become a Baltic trade and missionary center.

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