Floris III, Count of Holland facts for kids

Floris III (born around 1141 – died August 1, 1190) was an important ruler known as the count of Holland. He held this title from 1157 until his death in 1190. Floris was the son of Dirk VI and Sophia of Rheineck. Sophia was also an heiress, meaning she inherited land from the Bentheim region.

Floris III's Time as Count

Floris III was a very loyal supporter of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. A "vassal" was someone who promised loyalty and service to a more powerful ruler, like an emperor. Floris joined the emperor on two big trips to Italy in 1158 and again from 1176 to 1178.

Emperor's Gifts to Floris

Emperor Frederick was very pleased with Floris's loyalty. He rewarded Floris by making him part of the emperor's own group of important nobles. The emperor also gave Floris the right to collect a "toll" at Geervliet. A toll was a fee paid to use a road or waterway. At that time, Geervliet was the most important place to collect tolls in Holland. Counts of Holland had been collecting these tolls illegally for a long time, so the emperor's gift made it official and legal.

Land and Water Challenges

During Floris's rule, many farmers came to Holland. They worked hard to change swampy lands into useful farms. This involved building dikes and dams to control the water. There was a disagreement between Floris and the bishop of Utrecht about a new dam on the Rhine River at Zwammerdam in 1165. Emperor Frederick had to step in and help settle this argument. Later, in 1178, Floris's own brother, Baldwin, became the bishop of Utrecht.

Conflicts and Floods

Floris III faced some challenges during his time as count. A war started between Holland and Flanders, another powerful region. The Count of Flanders, Philip I of Flanders, wanted to get Zeeland back. Floris was captured in Bruges during this war. To be set free, he had to agree that Flanders had control over Zeeland.

Floris also had problems with West Friesland. He fought another war with Philip of Flanders over rights in West Zeeland, but Floris was defeated. In 1170, a huge flood caused a lot of damage in the northern parts of Holland. This massive flood also helped to create the large inland sea known as the Zuider Zee.

The Third Crusade and His Death

In 1189, Floris joined Emperor Frederick Barbarossa on the Third Crusade. This was a major religious journey and military campaign. Floris was a respected leader during this crusade. Sadly, he died in 1190 in Antioch from a serious illness. He was buried there. After his death, his son, Dirk VII, became the new count of Holland.

Floris III's Family

In 1162, Floris III married a woman named Ada. She was the sister of King William the Lion of Scotland. It was from Floris that the county of Holland got its famous symbol: a lion standing on its hind legs, which is still seen on their coat of arms today.

Floris and Ada had many children:

• Ada (died after 1205), who married Margrave Otto I of Brandenburg and later his son Otto II of Brandenburg.
• Margaret (died after 1203), who married Count Dietrich IV of Cleves in 1182.
• Dirk VII of Holland, who became the next Count of Holland.
• William I of Holland
• Floris (died 1210), who became the bishop of Glasgow.
• Baldwin (died 1204)
• Robert
• Beatrix
• Elisabeth
• Hedwig
• Agnes (died 1228), who became the abbess (leader) at Rijnsburg Abbey.