Duchy of Merania
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The Duchy of Merania (also Meran, Merano, or Meranie) was an imperial estate of the Holy Roman Emperor from 1153 until 1248. It was also called the Duchy of Dalmatia because it covered the northern seacoast of Dalmatia. The name "Merania" which derives from the Latin mare (sea).
The first reference to a Dalmatiæ ducatum occurs in 1153. At the time, Conrad II of Dachau held the duchy. The duchy remained with his family until 1182. In that year, Berthold, the Margrave of Istria, was made dux Meranie. He established a dynasty there.
His family was originally from Dießen-Andechs in Bavaria. They were related to the Wittelsbachs and were Counts of Andechs from 1135 to 1180. They obtained territiories in northern Dalmatia and Berthold became Margrave of Istria in 1173.
