Agnes of Montferrat facts for kids

Agnes of Montferrat was an important historical figure who lived around 1187 to 1207 or 1208. She became the first Empress (or queen) of the Latin Empire of Constantinople, married to Emperor Henry of Flanders.

Agnes's Family Background

Agnes was the daughter of Boniface I, a powerful leader known as the Marquess of Montferrat. Her mother was Helena del Bosco. Her grandfather was Anselmo del Bosco.

Agnes had a brother named William VI, who also became Marquess of Montferrat. She also had a sister, Beatrice, who married Henry II del Carretto. Agnes had a younger half-brother, Demetrius, who later became the King of Thessalonica.

Becoming an Empress

A historian named Geoffrey of Villehardouin wrote about Agnes. He said that Agnes was living in a place called Lombardy. In 1206, her father, Boniface, called her to Thessaloniki.

Boniface wanted to create a strong alliance. He sent a messenger, Otto de la Roche, to Emperor Henry of Flanders. Boniface suggested that Agnes and Emperor Henry should get married. Emperor Henry agreed to this important offer.

Journey to Constantinople

Agnes traveled by ship, a galley, to Abydos in Mysia. Her father's messengers then told Emperor Henry where she was. Geoffrey Villehardouin himself and Miles of Brabant were chosen to escort Agnes. Villehardouin described Agnes as "very good and fair," meaning beautiful.

Agnes was safely escorted to Constantinople. On February 4, 1207, Agnes and Henry of Flanders were married.

The Royal Wedding

The wedding took place in the famous Hagia Sophia church in Constantinople. This was on the Sunday after a Christian holiday called Candlemass. After the wedding, a grand feast was held at the Boukoleon Palace.

Historians believe this marriage was part of a new alliance. Boniface and Henry joined forces against Kaloyan, the ruler of Bulgaria.

A New Hope and Sadness

Around September 1207, Emperor Henry told his father-in-law, Boniface, that Agnes was expecting a child. This news brought joy to both families, as it meant the alliance would grow stronger.

However, the historical record stops shortly after this. Boniface died on September 4, 1207. There is no further mention of Agnes after this time. Historians believe that Empress Agnes likely died during childbirth, possibly along with her baby.

In 1208, there is a mention of a daughter of Henry marrying Alexander, a nephew of Peter IV, Ivan Asen I, and Kaloyan of Bulgaria. However, if this was Agnes's daughter, she would have been a newborn, which is too young for marriage. Therefore, this daughter is believed to have been Henry's child from another relationship.

See Also

In Spanish: Inés de Montferrato para niños