Albert I.

Albert I. (Ger. Albrecht), Duke of Austria and German Emperor, was the eldest son of Rudolph of Hapsburg, and was born about 1250. On his father's death the electors chose Adolphus of Nassau to succeed to the imperial throne; but the new emperor soon disgusted his subjects, and was deposed in favour of Albert, who soon after defeated his rival in a battle at Göllheim, in which he perished. Albert was crowned at Aix-la-Chapelle in 1298. He ruled with vigour and success, and reduced his unruly nobles to obedience; but was less successful in his efforts for the aggrandisement of his own family. In 1308 he subjugated a part of Switzerland, and was murdered the same year, while crossing the Reuss in a boat, by his own nephew, John, whose claim to the duchy of Swabia he had refused.—Four other Dukes of Austria bore the name of Albert; of whom Albert V. was elected German king in 1438, and as such was called Albert II. See AUSTRIA.