Billung dynastyArticle Free Pass Billung dynasty, the primary
ruling dynasty in Saxony in the 10th and 11th centuries. It was
founded by Hermann Billung, who in 936 received from the German
king (and future emperor) Otto I a march, or border territory,
on the lower Elbe River to be held against the pagan Slavic
Wends. Otto repeatedly granted Hermann extensive authority in
his absences (notably in Italy) but avoided attributing the
ducal title to him. Herman’s son, Bernhard I (d. 1101),
developed his father’s ducal status and title in Saxony and
thereafter passed it to his descendants, who continued the
struggle against the Slavs. Although the family extended its
conquests toward the Oder River, thus preparing these
territories for Christianization, their lands consisted of only
the northeastern part of the former stem duchy of Saxony.
Bernard I obtained guarantees of the special privileges and
customs of the Saxons from the emperor Henry II; Bernard II (d.
1059) obtained similar guarantees from the emperor Co