Bernhard III | |
|---|---|
| Margrave of Baden-Baden | |
 Margrave Bernhard III of Baden-Baden | |
| Born | 7 October 1474 |
| Died | 29 June 1536 (aged 61) |
| Noble family | Zähringen |
| Spouse(s) | Franziska of Luxemburg |
| Father | Christopher I, Margrave of Baden-Baden |
| Mother | Ottilie of Katzenelnbogen |
Bernhard III, Margrave of Baden-Baden (7 October 1474 – 29 June 1536) inherited in 1515 part of his father's margraviate of Baden. He ruled his part from 1515 until 1536.
His two brothers, Ernest and Philip inherited the other parts; after Philip died, he and Ernest each inherited half of Philip's part. This created two lines of rulers:
- "Bernhardine line" (Catholic) ruled Baden-Baden
- "Ernestine line" (Protestant) ruled Baden-Durlach
The Bernhardine line died out in 1771, allowing Margrave Charles Frederick of the Ernestine line to reunite the Margraviate of Baden.
Bernard was brought up at the court of Emperor Maximilian I and went to Spain with his friend, Maximilian's son Philip I. Philip was appointed King of Spain in 1504.
Margrave Bernhard tended in his later years to Protestantism and introduced the Reformation into the upper Margraviate.