Florent of Hainaut facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Florent of Hainaut |
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Seal of Florent of Hainaut
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| Prince of Achaea | |
| Reign | 1289–1297 |
| Predecessor | Charles II |
| Successor | Philip of Savoy |
| Co-monarch | Isabella |
| Born | c. 1255 |
| Died | 23 January 1297 |
| Spouse | Isabella of Villehardouin |
| Issue | Matilda |
| Dynasty | Avesnes |
| Father | John I of Avesnes |
| Mother | Adelaide of Holland |
Florent of Hainaut (born around 1255 – died January 23, 1297) was an important leader in the Middle Ages. He became the Prince of Achaea in 1289 and ruled until his death. He gained this title because of his marriage to Isabella of Villehardouin, who was the princess.
Florent was the son of John I of Avesnes and Adelaide of Holland. From his father, he received the role of stadholder (a kind of governor) in a region called Zeeland.
A New Role in Naples
After leaving Zeeland, Florent began working for Charles II of Naples. Charles II was a powerful king. He appointed Florent as the constable of the Kingdom of Naples. A constable was a very high-ranking military officer.
On September 16, 1289, Florent married Isabella of Villehardouin. They had one daughter together, named Matilda. Matilda later became princess after her parents.
Ruling in Achaea
Florent and Isabella moved to Morea, which was part of the Principality of Achaea in Greece. This area was ruled by Western European knights, often called "Franks."
In 1290, Florent worked to make peace with the Byzantine Empire. He successfully negotiated a very important agreement called the Treaty of Glarentsa.
Challenges in Greece
At this time, the situation for the Franks in Greece was quite difficult. The rulers from Anjou had lost control of Sicily. This meant they were busy trying to get their land back there. Few governments in Western Europe could send soldiers to help defend Morea.
Because of this, Florent decided to keep the peace. He maintained it until 1293. That year, the Greeks took back a town called Kalamata.
Florent's Diplomacy
Florent did not start a war again, even though there had been many wars before he became prince. Instead, he sent a group of people to protest to the Byzantine Emperor, Andronikos II Palaiologos. The emperor listened and returned Kalamata.
In 1296, the Greeks took over the castle of Saint George in Arcadia. Florent began to surround the castle with his army, trying to take it back. However, he died before the castle could be captured.
