Alfonso of Brienne facts for kids
Alfonso of Brienne was a French nobleman who lived a long time ago, from about 1228 to 1270. He was also known as Alphonse d'Acre because he was born in a city called Acre. His father was John of Brienne, and his mother was Berengaria of León.
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A Life of Adventure and Service
Alfonso grew up in a time when many European knights traveled to the Middle East for religious wars called the Crusades.
Joining the Crusades
When he was a young man, Alfonso joined the Seventh Crusade in 1248. He started as a "squire," which was like an assistant to a knight. This was a very important journey for him.
Later in his life, Alfonso also took part in the Eighth Crusade. This journey led him to Tunis, a city in North Africa.
Becoming a Count
Before 1250, Alfonso married a noblewoman named Marie, Countess of Eu. Because of this marriage, he became the Count of Eu. A count was a powerful ruler of a region called a "county."
Alfonso also held another important position. He was the Grand Chamberlain of France. This meant he was a high-ranking official in the French royal court, helping the king with important duties.
His Final Journey
Alfonso of Brienne died on September 14, 1270. He passed away in Tunis while on the Eighth Crusade. Sadly, he died during the same widespread sickness that also took the life of King Louis IX of France.
Alfonso's Family
Alfonso and Marie had at least two children who continued their family line.
- John I of Brienne, Count of Eu: He later became the Count of Eu, just like his father.
- Blanche (died before 1338): She became an "Abbess" at the Abbey of Maubuisson. An abbess was the leader of a group of nuns in a monastery.
