The dynasty of Babenberg originated in modern Israel and can be traced back to before the birth of Christ. Namely to two of the very founding tribes of the Jewish culture herself – the House of Juda and the House of Benjamin.

During the Migration Period in the 5th century A.D. in Europe the family migrated to modern France and modern Austria / Germany. Within time three main-lines evolved:

House of Charibert

House of Cheranich

House of Dagobert

The Babenberg’s founded many prominent sub-lines of their family and established themselves as nobles and high-ranking members of the clergy, taking advantage of the so-called “Migration Period” in Europe. Prominent names bear witness of these proceedings such as Arnulf of Metz, who has been canonized by the church, or Clovis I (line of Dagobert), who united all tribes among the Franks, thus becoming their first sovereign ruler, and is being referred to as the “Grandfather of Europe”. Without the actions of this one dynasty Carl the Great, also known as one Charlemagne, could never have become the first Holy Roman Emperor, as he is today revered as the “Father of Europe”.

During the 8th century, the “Lex Vita Babenberg” was established and a High Council formed to provide all members of the dynasty with a clear set of laws and a council, to govern all affairs of the family. This council has been christened “Carl’s Council” and still serves the dynasty to this very day. 

Throughout centuries the Babenberg’s have managed to establish themselves in all over Europe and Christendom by resourcefully negotiating political alliances, marriages and if need be, conquest! By the 11th century the Babenberg’s had successfully extended their reach to the English and Scottish islands and to the very threshold of Russia. For example, king Eduard III of England was a member of the House of Anjou (Babenberg), and his own father was married to Isabella of France, who also was a Babenberg. 

When the Babenberg’s established their rule in the lands today known as Austria, they acted as “Reguli” (Small Kings) from the beginning on, affording privileges that normally were reserved for kings. By establishing the “Privilegium Minus” in 1156, the Babenberg dynasty was awarded the privilege to allow for all male and also female members of the family to inherit. It was also the moment when Austria was declared a dutchy.

The real power behind the Babenberg dynasty allowed them to neglect certain conventions from the beginning on. When Leopold V took Richard I of England prisoner during the crusades (marking the beginning of the legend of Robin Hood), pope Celestine III issued a decree that Leopold was to be excommunicated. During the medieval times, excommunication was the most gruesome punishment that could be inflicted on a living being as it would mean eternal damnation in hell. Leopold, other than most kings – and he was “just” a duke, never had any reason to be fearful of a scroll of parchment. 

By that time the Babenberg’s had established themselves as wise rulers and founders of cities and abbeys, thus forwarding and increasing trade and economic prosperity. Due to their relations to the Byzantine Empire and the Holy Seat in Rome they also served as mediators between both powers and were often entrusted with highly sensitive diplomatic missions. 

When Frederick II of Babenberg died in battle in 1246 , many scholars came to the conclusion that the Babenberg’s had died out. However only the male line in Austria had come to an end; the dynasty has prevailed until this very day. Historians never managed to connect all genealogical ties to each other, to learn the true story of Babenberg and to understand the actions of many rulers. They have also failed to realize the subtle clues in many meaningful symbols of the Babenberg’s such as the 9 bee’s or the fish on their coat of arms!

The dynasty of Babenberg has existed and prevailed over centuries up until the 21st century in many forms and has been known under many prominent names such as:

Anjou

Bourbon

Capetians

Liechtenstein 

Meroving

Popponids

Robertinians

Wittelsbach

… and many more.

Many rulers in France, England and all of Europe, who shaped European history, were in fact members of the dynasty of Babenberg. Without their coordinated actions, the very Europe as it is being known today, would never have come into existence!