Elizabeth of Thuringia (of Hungary)

Albrecht Classen (University of Arizona)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.4.1: German-language Writing and Culture: Germany, 500-present.
Vol. editors: Nicole Kennedy (University of Newcastle), Gerhard P. Knapp (University of Utah), Jennifer Marston William (Purdue University), Herbert Rowland (Purdue University), Jill E. Twark (East Carolina University)

Dates

Born 7 Jul 1207
Died 17 Nov 1231

Places

Born in Hungary
Active in Germany; Hungary

Activities

Primary

Mystic/ Saint
Nobleman/Noblewoman

Resources

Thuringia's Works

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There are numerous hospitals across the world that are associated with the Hungarian Princess Elizabeth of Thuringia because she can be identified as one of the first founders of a hospital in the Hessian town of Marburg. After her husband’s death on his way to a crusade, she withdrew from public life at the court of Eisenach, Thuringia, and set up a secular hospital run by a noble lady. She was highly admired by the sick and needy, by the ordinary people who profited from her generosity and dedication, yet initially rather disliked by her aristocratic in-laws because they felt embarrassed by her untraditional actions contrary to the standard expectations of a high-ranking noble lady. Elizabeth lived only a short life and died very young as a result of her medical service and nursing of…

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2220 words

Citation: Classen, Albrecht. "Elizabeth of Thuringia (of Hungary)". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 12 February 2025 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=15377, accessed 21 February 2025.]