Geoffrey II, Count of Anjou facts for kids

Geoffrey II, often called Martel, was a powerful count in France during the 11th century. He was born in 1006 and passed away on November 14, 1060. Geoffrey was the son of Fulk the Black. He became the Count of Anjou in 1040 and ruled until 1060. He also held the title of Count of Vendôme from 1032 to 1056.

During his time as count, Geoffrey Martel was known for his military skills. He fought against other important leaders. These included William VII, Duke of Aquitaine, Theobald I, Count of Blois, and William, Duke of Normandy. Geoffrey also managed to keep his power over the County of Maine. This was despite challenges from the Bishop of Le Mans, Gervais de Château-du-Loir. Geoffrey Martel helped establish important religious places. He founded the Abbey aux Dames in Saintonge. With his wife Agnes, he also founded the Abbaye de la Trinité at Vendôme.

Battles and Conflicts

Geoffrey Martel was a skilled military leader. He often fought to expand his lands and power.

Early Victories

Around 1042, Count Geoffrey teamed up with King Henry I of France. They attacked the city of Tours. In 1044, Geoffrey won a big battle near Nouy. He captured Count Theobald I of Blois-Chartres. This victory forced Theobald to give up Tours, Chinon, and Langeais to Geoffrey. After this, Geoffrey and King Henry had a disagreement. They did not work together again until about 1052.

Fighting in Normandy

King Henry and Count Geoffrey later joined forces again. They invaded Normandy. They took control of the towns of Domfront and Alençon. Duke William of Normandy then laid siege to Domfront. He tried to take it back during the winter of 1052. Duke William quickly recaptured Alençon. He then took Domfront, pushing Count Geoffrey back into Maine.

While Geoffrey was busy, Duke William attacked a castle at Arques. King Henry tried to help, but he failed. In early 1054, Count Geoffrey and King Henry invaded Normandy again. They marched towards Rouen. However, part of their army was defeated near Mortemer. When King Henry heard this news, he decided to retreat from Normandy. Count Geoffrey went with him.

Later Campaigns

For the next few years, the fighting focused on the County of Maine. Duke William was often on the attack. In 1057, King Henry and Count Geoffrey launched another attack on Normandy. They moved deep into Normandy. They tried to cross the River Dives. After the king and Count Geoffrey crossed, the rest of their army got stuck. The incoming tide trapped them. Duke William launched a surprise attack and defeated them. King Henry and Count Geoffrey left Normandy and never returned. Count Geoffrey continued to fight against Norman expansion in Maine. He did so until his death in 1060.

Family Life

Geoffrey II had several wives during his lifetime. His first wife was Agnes of Burgundy. She was the widow of William V, Duke of Aquitaine. They married in 1032 but later divorced around 1050.

His second wife was Grécie of Langeais. Geoffrey later married Adèle, who was the daughter of a count named Odo. He also divorced Adèle and then married Grécie again. His last wife was a German woman named Adelaide.

Despite his marriages, Geoffrey Martel did not have any children who survived him. He became a monk in Saint-Nicolas d'Angers in 1060, the year he passed away.

Succession and Legacy

Since Geoffrey II had no children, his title passed to his nephews. These were the two sons of his sister Ermengarde-Blanche. Geoffroy III Le Barbu (the Bearded) became Count of Anjou in 1060. He ruled until 1068. Fulk IV Réchin (the Mouth) then became count from 1068 to 1109.

Fulk IV's grandson, Geoffrey Plantagenet, was very important. He married Matilda, who was an heir to the English throne. Their marriage started the House of Plantagenet line of English kings. This shows how Geoffrey Martel's family line eventually led to the kings of England.

Sources

• Jessee, W. Scott (2000). Robert the Burgundian and the Counts of Anjou, Ca. 1025-1098. The Catholic University of America Press.

See also

In Spanish: Godofredo II de Anjou para niños