Anjou facts for kids
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Anjou was an important area in western France. It was once a county and later a duchy. A duchy is a land ruled by a duke or duchess. Anjou was centered around the city of Angers. It is located in the lower Loire Valley. Its old Latin name was Andegavia.
Contents
What Was Anjou?
Anjou was like a borderland, or "march," between different regions. It sat between Neustria and Aquitaine. It also bordered Brittany. The city of Angers was built on black slate rock. It was a strong Roman city that protected the Mayenne and Loire rivers.
Early Rulers
The first known ruler of Anjou was Ingelger. He was called the first count of Anjou. A count is a noble who rules a county.
Anjou and the English Kings
Anjou became part of England for a while, from 1151 to 1199. This happened when Henry II became its ruler. He already had other titles, but he also became the Count of Anjou.
The Angevin Empire
Henry II's son, Richard the Lionheart, took over Anjou after his father. At its strongest, the Angevin Empire was huge. It stretched from Ulster (in Ireland) all the way to the Pyrenees mountains.
Richard did not have any children who could legally inherit his titles. So, in 1199, Anjou went to his nephew, Arthur of Brittany. Arthur was the son of Richard's brother, Geoffrey.
Anjou Returns to France
The crown of England went to Henry II's youngest son, John. King John captured Arthur in 1203. Arthur was never seen again after that.
In 1204, Philip II of France took Anjou back for France. Later, Anjou was made into a duchy for Prince Louis. He was the second son of John II of France. Anjou stayed a duchy until the French Revolution.
Today, the area that was Anjou is mostly the French département called Maine-et-Loire.
Images for kids
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Remains of the fortress of Langeais, built by Fulk III
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Graves of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England in Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
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Château d'Angers
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Castle of Pouancé, built to defend Anjou against Brittany.
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Saumur Castle
See also
In Spanish: Anjou para niños
