Angevin facts for kids
Angevin is a name used for people from a place in France called Anjou. It also refers to people from the city of Angers.
But most importantly, "Angevin" is the name for three powerful families from the Middle Ages. These families started as counts (and later dukes) in Anjou. Over time, they became rulers of much larger areas. This included England, Ireland, Hungary, Croatia, Poland, the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily, and even the Kingdom of Jerusalem. You can learn more about their lands by looking up the Angevin Empire.
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Who Were the Angevin Dynasties?
The Angevin families were very important in medieval European history. They spread their power across many different kingdoms.
The Plantagenet Family in England
The most famous Angevin family was the House of Plantagenet. They ruled England for a very long time. Their rule began in 1154 with Henry II. It lasted until 1485 when Richard III was defeated at the Battle of Bosworth Field. This battle marked the start of the Tudor family's rule.
How Henry II Started the Plantagenet Rule
Henry II was a very powerful ruler. He inherited lands in France from his father and mother. When he became King of England, he controlled a huge area. This included England, parts of Wales, and large parts of France. This collection of lands is often called the Angevin Empire.
Important Plantagenet Kings
Many famous kings came from the Plantagenet family.
- Richard I (the Lionheart): Henry II's son, known for his bravery and leading crusades.
- King John: Richard's younger brother, who lost many French lands. He was also forced to sign the Magna Carta, an important document about rights.
- Edward I: Known for his strong rule and efforts to control Wales and Scotland.
- Richard III: The last Plantagenet king, whose defeat ended their long rule in England.
Other Angevin Branches
Besides the Plantagenets who ruled England, there were two other major Angevin families. These families were also descendants of the original counts of Anjou.
Angevins of Naples and Sicily
One branch of the Angevin family became kings of Naples and Sicily. These were important kingdoms in southern Italy. They ruled these lands for several centuries.
Angevins of Hungary and Poland
Another branch of the Angevin family became rulers in Eastern Europe. They held the crowns of Hungary and Poland. This shows how far the influence of the Angevin families spread across Europe.
