Rupert I, Elector Palatine

Who was Rupert I, Elector Palatine?

Rupert I "the Red", Elector Palatine was Count Palatine of the Rhine from 1353 to 1356, and Elector Palatine from 10 January 1356 to 16 February 1390.

He was the son of Rudolf I, Duke of Bavaria and Mechtild of Nassau, the daughter of King Adolf of Nassau-Weilburg. With the death of his brother, Rudolf II, on 4 October 1353, he inherited his domains and became sole Count for the territory, whereas they had previously shared that privilege.

The Golden Bull of 1356 guaranteed the Palatinate the right of participating in the election of the Holy Roman Emperor. Previous Counts Palatine had participated in other Imperial elections.

In 1386, Rupert founded the University of Heidelberg, the third university in the Holy Roman Empire, which was named after him.

Rupert was married twice: firstly to Elisabeth, Countess of Namur, secondly to Beatrix of Jülich-Berg. Neither marriage produced an heir.

He was succeeded by his nephew, Rupert II, Elector Palatine.