Background
Dietrich was the third son of Count Adolf III of the Marck and Margaret of Jülich. His father had acquired the County of Cleves in 1368 and given this title to his eldest son Adolf.
Dietrich was the third son of Count Adolf III of the Marck and Margaret of Jülich. His father had acquired the County of Cleves in 1368 and given this title to his eldest son Adolf.
The second son Dietrich received the title of Count of Mark. The ambitious Gerhard claimed a part of his father"s territories for himself. In 1423, it came to an armed conflict between Adolf and Gerhard, who had allied himself with the Archbishop of Cologne.
Peace was signed between the two brothers in 1430, and confirmed in 1437.
Gerhard died in 1461 without children and the County of Mark and Duchy of Cleves were reunited again in a personal union under John I.
