Beatrix

In all probability, Barbarossa lingered here at Giebichenstein in 1157 and was possibly accompanied by his young consort, Beatrix of Burgundy. She is described as a power-conscious and politically active woman. She read, wrote and spoke Latin, brought minstrels and thereby courtly culture to the imperial court, and was an active benefactress.

In this regard, however, she was an exception. Ordinarily, medieval historians recognized women only as servile companions to their men. This castle was the home of the Archbishop of Magdeburg, who was bound by celibacy. For this reason, no woman is known to have played an important role at the castle during the Middle Ages. Women were denied autonomy as we know it today. To lead a secure life, they had the choice either of marriage or of the convent. Women were married off - with no say in the matter - in order to strengthen ties between families, secure offspring and increase the property of the man through dowry. Keys found in numerous women’s graves of the time, however, are an indication that in the absence of their husbands, they were indeed considered head of the household.