Ungern-Sternberg


The Ungern-Sternberg family or von Ungern-Sternberg is an old and influential Baltic-German nobility, with branches belonging to the German, Finnish, Swedish and Russian nobility.

History

The house traces its origins to Hans Ungern, who in 1269 became a vassal of the Archdiocese of Riga. On 29 March 1277, we learn that Rudolf von Ungern-Sternberg took part in the defence of Tallinn within the ranks of the Lithuanian army against a Russian invasion. By virtue of this ancient valour, in 1653 the family was granted the baronial title by Queen Christina of Sweden.
In 1874, one branch of the family received the comital title within the Russian Empire, altering their surname to Ungern-Šternbergov. The motto of the house is Звезда их не знает заката.

Notable members

Patron of the University of Latvia

Jürgen von Ungern-Sternberg is a silver patron of the University of Latvia Foundation. He has supported the University of Latvia since 1999 by donating to establish a scholarship in memory of his grandfather Bernhard Holander. It will be awarded to the best doctor or master of the Faculty of History and Philosophy of the University of Latvia.