Berthold of Zwiefalten

Berthold of Zwiefalten (c. 1089 – 21 May 1169) was a German Benedictine monk who thrice served as abbot of Zwiefalten Abbey and wrote its early history.

Berthold was born around 1089 in Württemberg,[1] the son of a nobleman of the same name.[2] He entered Zwiefalten before 1098, but he was living at Kladrau in Bohemia in 1117. In 1135–1137 he was in Prague. In 1137, he was back in Zwiefalten as custos (custodian).[2]

It was during the years 1137–38 that Berthold wrote the Latin Libellus (or Liber) de constructione Zwivildensis monasterii (Book on the Construction of Zwiefalten Monastery) as a continuation of the chronicle begun by Ortlieb of Zwiefalten, although it appears to have stemmed from a dispute between the two men. It was intended mainly for the internal use of the monastic community.[3] At places, the Libellus is written more like a tract against the Emperor Henry IV. It draws on the chronicles of Bernold of Constance, Bonizo of Sutri, Ekkehard of Aura and Frutolf of Michelsberg as sources for these years.[2]

Berthold was elected abbot in 1139, but was forced resign in 1141 after being accused of misuse of monastic property.[2] He was re-elected in 1146 or 1147, but forced to resign a second time in 1152 or 1156.[2][3] Elected a third time in 1148, he resigned a third time in 1169.[2] He seems to have died on 21 May 1169,[2] or perhaps later.[1][3]