Auxila Von Lenzburg’s story begins in the picturesque region of Maurienne, Savoie, in the Rhone-Alpes of France, where she was born sometime between 944 and 984. Her early years unfolded in a Europe undergoing profound changes, with the old Carolingian Empire fragmenting and giving way to new feudal structures. As a young woman growing up in this transformative era, Auxila’s life was undoubtedly influenced by the shifting political and social landscapes of 10th-century Europe.

In the year 997, a significant chapter of her life began with her marriage to Humbert de Maurienne, also known as Humbert De Savoie. This union was not just a personal bond but also a strategic alliance, typical of the era, aimed at consolidating power and influence. As Humbert’s wife, Auxila assumed the title of Countess of Savoy, a role that came with both privilege and responsibility.

As Countess, Auxila’s life was a busy tapestry of managing large estates and navigating the complex social hierarchies of the time. Her days would have been filled with overseeing household staff, managing the family’s lands, and possibly engaging in local politics. In a time when women’s roles were largely defined by their relationships to men, Auxila’s position as a countess gave her a unique platform to exert influence.

Together with Humbert, Auxila had four children: Amédée, Aymon, Burcard, and Oddon. Each of these children would go on to play their own roles in the historical tapestry of the region. The upbringing and education of her children would have been a primary concern for Auxila, ensuring they were prepared for their future roles in society.

Despite her noble status, Auxila’s life was not without its challenges. The feudal system of the time was fraught with political instability and conflict. As a noblewoman, she would have had to navigate these turbulent waters, balancing family interests with the demands of feudal loyalty and politics.

The socio-economic landscape of the time was characterized by a rigid class system. While Auxila, as a noblewoman, enjoyed certain privileges, she also lived in a society where the majority were peasants, bound to the land and their lords. This stark inequality was a defining feature of the era, shaping the lives of everyone, from the highest noble to the lowliest serf.

Auxila’s work life, though largely undocumented, would have been typical of a woman of her status. It likely involved overseeing the

domestic management of her household and the administration of the family’s estates. This role would have required a keen understanding of both agricultural and economic management, as well as the ability to navigate the complex social and political networks of the time.

The historical context of Auxila’s life was marked by significant events and figures. During her lifetime, Robert II, known as the Pious or the Wise, reigned as King of the Franks. His reign, from 996 to 1031, was a period of relative stability and growth in the arts and architecture, particularly in the Romanesque style. This era also saw the continued Christianization of Europe, a process that had profound cultural and social implications.

In 1030, Auxila’s journey came to an end in Hermillon, Savoie, the same region where her life began. Her death marked the close of a life that had spanned the turn of the millennium, a time of great change and development in European history. The legacy she left behind was not just in her immediate family but also in the way her life intersected with the broader currents of her time.

Auxila’s story, from her birth in the scenic Rhone-Alpes to her role as a countess and a mother, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a noblewoman in medieval Europe. Her experiences reflect the complexities of her era, a time when Europe was transitioning from the remnants of the Carolingian Empire into a new feudal age. Her life, like that of many of her contemporaries, was shaped by the socio-political dynamics of her time, offering a unique window into a pivotal period in European history.