Baldwin II, Count of Flanders facts for kids
Baldwin II (born around 865, died 918) was also known as Baldwin "the Bald." He was a powerful leader in what is now France and became the second Count of Flanders. He ruled this important region from 879 until he died.
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Becoming a Powerful Leader
Baldwin II was born around 865. His father was Baldwin I, Count of Flanders, and his mother was Judith. Judith was the daughter of a famous king, Charles the Bald. This meant Baldwin was related to Charlemagne, a very important emperor from long ago.
To make Flanders stronger, Baldwin wanted good connections with England. In 884, he married Ælfthryth. She was the daughter of King Alfred the Great of England. This marriage was a big deal! It made Baldwin II's family very important. His children were connected to two of the most powerful royal houses in Western Europe. This helped make Flanders a major power in Europe.
Facing Viking Raids
When Baldwin first became Count, Vikings were a big problem. They attacked many places, destroying almost everything. Only the area north of the Somme river was somewhat safe. By 883, Baldwin had to move his people north. They settled in the flat, wet lands of Flanders. This area then became the main territory for the Counts of Flanders.
Baldwin was smart about protecting his land. He built many wooden forts in places like Saint-Omer, Bruges, Ghent, and Courtrai. He also took control of lands and forts that kings or church officials had left empty. Baldwin used these strongholds for his government, his army, and local courts.
Expanding His Territory
In 888, the king of the western Frankish lands, Charles the Fat, was removed from power. Many people wanted to be the next king. Because Baldwin was related to King Charles the Bald, he could have tried to become king. But he didn't. Instead, he tried to get the king of the eastern Frankish lands, Arnulf, to take the western crown too. Arnulf wasn't interested.
Odo, Count of Paris, was chosen as the new king. However, Odo didn't want Baldwin to gain control of the rich Abbey of Saint Bertin. This disagreement made Baldwin not support King Odo. The new king even attacked Baldwin at Bruges, but he couldn't defeat him.
Baldwin kept expanding his lands to the south. He gained control of Artois and the important abbey of St. Vaast. When control of the abbey was given to Archbishop Fulk of Reims in 900, Baldwin took strong action to remove him. Later, when Herbert I, Count of Vermandois tried to stop Baldwin from expanding further into the Somme River valley, Baldwin also ensured he was no longer a threat. Baldwin was determined to protect and grow his territory.
Family Life
Baldwin II died on September 10, 918, near Ghent. His oldest son, Arnulf I, became the next Count of Flanders. His younger son, Adalulf, became the first Count of Boulogne.
Baldwin and his wife, Ælfthryth, had these children:
- Arnulf I (born around 890, died 964): He took over as Count of Flanders after his father.
- Adalulf (born around 890, died 933): He became the Count of Boulogne.
- Ealswid
- Ermentrud
See also
In Spanish: Balduino II de Flandes para niños
