He was the son of Margrave Henry I of Babenberg and either Ingeltrude or Judith of Friuli.
On 27 February 906 an army led by Adalbert attacked the Conradines near Fritzlar.
After Adalbert had withdrawn to Castle Theres he was besieged by the royal army.
The king's envoy, archbishop of Mainz and chancellor Hatto I, promised him a safe conduct.
However, when Adalbert left the castle he was taken prisoner, convicted and beheaded.