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Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein

Archbishop and Elector of Mainz from 1381–1390

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About Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein

Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein was a German canon and provost.

Adolf I von Nassau (born Adolf von Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein, – 6 February 1390) was Bishop of Speyer 1371–1388 and Archbishop of Mainz 1381–1390.

Life Adolf was born as son of Count Adolf I, the Count of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein. His great-grandfather was Adolf, King of the Romans. When his uncle, Archbishop of Mainz died in 1371, he was chosen by the Cathedral chapter as his successor against Kuno II von Falkenstein; however, he had to yield to , the preferred candidate of Emperor Charles IV, who was appointed by Pope Gregory XI. Adolf was made Bishop of Speyer instead, a position freed up because moved from Speyer to the previous position of Johann and became Bishop of Strasbourg. When Johann died in 1373, the Mainz Cathedral chapter again supported Adolf, but on the request of Emperor Charles IV, Gregory XI appointed Louis of Meissen. However, Adolf had actual control over most of the Electorate of Mainz. After the death of Gregory XI, Adolf used the Western Schism and had himself confirmed by the Avignon pope Clement VII. In 1381, Adolf was accepted as archbishop of Mainz also by the Roman pope Urban VI and by Charles IV's successor as King of the Germans, Wenceslaus IV.

During his reign, Adolf was in conflict with Rupert I, Elector Palatine, a supporter of the Roman papacy. Adolf used his position to further his family's territorial interests and to enlarge its power. On Adolf's initiative, the creation of the University of Erfurt was confirmed by Pope Urban VI in 1389. Adolf died on 6 February 1390 in Heiligenstadt. He is buried in Mainz Cathedral.

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Important facts

Died
Heilbad Heiligenstadt
Occupation
Canon, provost
Nationality
Education
University of Padua, University of Bologna
Positions held
Roman Catholic Bishop of Speyer, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Mainz, Bishop-elect

Frequently asked questions

Who was Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein?

Archbishop and Elector of Mainz from 1381–1390

When did Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein die?

Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein died in Heilbad Heiligenstadt.

What was Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein's occupation?

Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein was a canon and provost.

What nationality was Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein?

Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein was German.

Sources & further reading

Β· Wikipedia: Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein

Β· Wikidata: Q364831

Β· DBpedia: Adolf I (archbishop of Mainz)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein. https://biography.guide/adolf-of-nassau-wiesbaden-idstein/

MLA: "Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/adolf-of-nassau-wiesbaden-idstein/.

Chicago: "Adolf of Nassau-Wiesbaden-Idstein." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/adolf-of-nassau-wiesbaden-idstein/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 Β· Spot an error? Report a correction.

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