Catherine I, Latin Empress facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catherine I |
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| Marchioness of Namur Lady of Courteney, Mortargis and Balcon |
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| Latin Empress | |
| Reign | 15 December 1283 – 11 October 1307 |
| Predecessor | Philip I |
| Successor | Catherine II |
| Born | 25 November 1274 |
| Died | 11 October 1307 (aged 32) Paris, France |
| Burial | Maubuisson Abbey, Paris |
| Spouse | Charles of Valois |
| Issue | John, Count of Chartres Catherine II, Latin Empress Joanna of Valois Isabella of Valois |
| House | Courtenay |
| Father | Philip of Courtenay |
| Mother | Beatrice of Sicily |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Catherine I, also known as Catherine of Courtenay, was a powerful woman who was recognized as the Latin Empress of Constantinople. She was born on November 25, 1274. Even though she was called empress, she lived in exile and only had power over some areas in Greece that were controlled by Crusaders.
Catherine was empress from 1283 until her death in 1307. In 1301, she married Charles of Valois. They had one son and three daughters. Her oldest daughter, Catherine II, later became empress after her.
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Catherine I's Early Life
Catherine was born on November 25, 1274. She was the only daughter of Philip I of Courtenay, who was also known as the Latin Emperor of Constantinople. Her mother was Beatrice of Sicily.
When her father passed away on December 15, 1283, Catherine became the heir to his claims. This meant she inherited the right to be the Latin Empress of Constantinople. The Latin states in Greece recognized her as their empress. This was true even though the city of Constantinople had been taken back by the Empire of Nicaea in 1261.
Catherine's Marriage Plans
Before she finally married, Catherine was engaged three times. These engagements were important political moves.
First Engagement: Michael IX Palaiologos
In 1288, Catherine was first engaged to Michael IX Palaiologos. He was a co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Michael's father, Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos, suggested this marriage. He hoped it would reduce the threat of the Latins trying to take back power in the Byzantine Empire. He also wanted to improve relations with the Holy See (the Pope) and European kings. These kings were threatening a new Crusade.
However, after many years of talks, the French king strongly disagreed with this marriage. So, by 1295, the plan was dropped. Michael IX had already married someone else by then.
Second Engagement: Frederick of Aragon
In June 1295, Catherine was engaged a second time. This time, it was to Infante Frederick of Aragon. He was the son of King Peter III of Aragon. As part of this engagement, Frederick promised to give up his rights to the Kingdom of Sicily. He also promised to help take back the Latin Empire of Constantinople.
But again, the French king was against this proposal. Because of his opposition, this engagement was also ended.
Third Engagement: James of Majorca
On January 24, 1299, Catherine became engaged for the third time. This engagement was to Infante James of Majorca, son of King James II of Majorca. Catherine and James were related, so they needed special permission from Pope Boniface VIII to marry. This permission was never given.
Instead, James decided not to become king of the Kingdom of Majorca. He chose to become a monk instead.
Catherine's Marriage to Charles of Valois
Finally, on February 28, 1301, Catherine married Charles of Valois. Their wedding took place at the Priory of St. Cloud near Paris. Charles was the son of King Philip III of France. This was Catherine's first marriage, and Charles's second.
On April 23, 1301, Charles also became known as the titular Latin Emperor, sharing the title with Catherine. Catherine passed away in Paris on October 11, 1307, when she was 32 years old. She was buried the next day at the abbey of Maubuisson. Jacques de Molay, who was the leader of the Knights Templar, was one of the people who carried her coffin.
Catherine I's Children
Catherine I and Charles of Valois had four children together:
- John, Count of Chartres (born 1302 – died 1308).
- Catherine II of Valois, who became the Princess of Achaea and titular Empress of Constantinople (born before April 15, 1303 – died October 1346). She married Philip I of Anjou, Prince of Taranto and had children.
- Joan of Valois (born 1304 – died July 9, 1363). She married Count Robert III of Artois and had children.
- Isabella of Valois (born 1305 – died November 11, 1349). She became an Abbess at Fontevrault.
