March of Merseburg
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TheMarch of Merseburg(German:Mark Merseburg) was a short-livedmarchof theHoly Roman Empire.It comprised the lands of thePolabian Slavsbeyond the margravial residence atMerseburgon theSaaleriver.
Like the neighbouring marches ofMeissenandZeitz,the Merseburg march was created by EmperorOtto Iin the division of the vastMarca Geroniseast of theElbeand Saale rivers, following the death of MargraveGeroin 965. Merseburg, located in theHassegauon the eastern border of theSaxon duchy,had been the site of a fortress and aKönigspfalzbuilt at the behest of KingHenry the Fowlerfrom about 919.
The first and only margrave at Merseburg wasGuntherwho had rendered services accompanying Otto on hisItaliancampaigns. However, when Gunther participated in the revolt of DukeHenry II of Bavaria,he was deposed as margrave in 976 and lost his territory to MargraveThietmar of Meissen.Shortly before his death in the 982Battle of Stilo,Gunther reconciled with EmperorOtto IIand his march was restored.
Upon Gunther's death, Merseburg was reunited with the marches of Meissen and Zeitz under the rule of MargraveRikdag of Meissen,who thus temporarily reunited all of the southernMarca Geronissave theSaxon Eastern March.
The March of Merseburg may refer to the earlierMarca Geronis,which also had its capital at Merseburg.