Tassilo III.

Tassilo III, b. around 742, d. monastery at Lorsch (Germany), Dec. 11, 794, 748-788 Duke of the Bavarians. Acquired the "Norital" valley (Val d'Isarco to Chiusa, South Tirol) and the Val Venosta (South Tirol) by colonisation and missionary work, 772 reconquered Carinthia from the Avars for the christianized "Karantaner" (Alpine Slavs), founded the monasteries at Innichen (769) and at Kremsmünster (777); probably also at Mattsee. From 757 vassal of the Frankish King Pippin III, 763 refused to participate in military service, was accused of collaborating with the Avars and condemned to death 788. Tassilo and his family were pardoned by Charlemagne and sent to a monastery for the rest of their lives; Bavaria was ceded to the Frankish Empire. The Tassilo Chalice and candle-holder are kept at the monastery of Kremsmünster.

Literature: W. Störmer, Das Herzogsgeschlecht der Agilolfinger, in: Die Bajuwaren, exhibition catalogue, Mattsee and Rosenheim 1988.