Frederick V of Ptuj

Abstract

In the 13th century, present-day Slovenian Styria was divided among several landowners, with the most prominent being the Duke of Styria. Other major landowners were the Diocese of Gurk and the Archdiocese of Salzburg, with the Lords of Ptuj as its ministeriales. The last male member of the Babenberg line, which had until then ruled the duchies of Styria and Austria, died in 1246. Twenty-three years after his death followed the death of the last Carinthian duke from the House of Spanheim. The end of the two dynasties triggered a long struggle over their inheritance in which a number of local noblemen took part as well. Frederick V of Ptuj was one of those who used these contentions to their best possible advantage. He received many favours from the current Styrian duke, but did not hesitate to turn his back on him if he expected to benefit more from his successor. In this way, he also managed to bring his descendants in high provincial positions.