André of Brienne facts for kids
André de Brienne (born around 1135 – died 4 October 1189) was a French nobleman. He was the lord of Ramerupt, a town in France. André is remembered for taking part in the Third Crusade, a major military journey to the Middle East.
Life as a Nobleman and Crusader
André was the fourth son of Walter II, who was the Count of Brienne. His mother was Adelaide of Baudement. In 1167, André married a woman named Alix of Venizy. The next year, in 1168, he became a knight. In 1176, he inherited part of Ramerupt from his father.
In 1189, André traveled to the Holy Land, a region in the Middle East, to join the Siege of Acre. This was a long battle where Christian armies tried to capture the city of Acre from Muslim forces. André led some of the first French troops, working alongside other important leaders like James of Avesnes and Philip of Dreux.
On October 4, 1189, Saladin, the famous Muslim leader, launched a surprise attack on the crusader army. At first, the crusaders seemed to be winning. However, their camp quickly became disorganized, and many soldiers began to run away. André de Brienne was in command of the rearguard, which was the part of the army that protected the main group from behind. He bravely tried to stop the fleeing soldiers and get them to return to the fight.
During this effort, André was thrown from his horse. He was badly hurt. Sadly, his companions, including his own brother Erard, continued to flee and left him behind. André died in this battle. About seven thousand other crusaders also lost their lives that day, including Gerard of Ridefort, who was the leader of the Templars, a powerful group of knight-monks.
Family and Children
André de Brienne married Alix of Venizy around 1167. They had several children:
- Gautier of Brienne
- Erard of Brienne (born around 1170 – died 1245), who later became lord of Ramerupt and Vénisy.
- Elisabeth of Brienne, who married Milon, the lord of Pougy.
- Agnès of Brienne, who married Miles IV, the lord of Noyers, around 1211.
- Ada of Brienne
