In 1012
Henry II,
King of Germany, gave the Duchy of Swabia to Ernest following the death of its childless ruler
Hermann III. In order to further legitimatize his rule as duke, he married
Gisela of Swabia, the eldest sister of Hermann. Ernest and Gisela had two sons,
Ernest and
Hermann, both of whom would eventually become dukes of Swabia themselves. Ernest died in 1015 as a result of a hunting accident and was succeeded by his son Ernest. He was buried in
Würzburg. ==References==