Nördlinger Ries
The family's descendance dates back to the Carolingian dynasty, when their Frankish ancestors settled the Nördlinger Ries area in northeastern Alamannia. Their residence Tannhausen (not to be confused with "Thannhausen" near Günzburg or "Thannhausen, Styria") was first mentioned in an 1100 deed. In the Duchy of Swabia, the Thannhausens held large estates and important offices, as it was documented under the rule of the Hohenstaufen duke Frederick II in 1112 and 1115.