Geoffrey IV, Count of Anjou facts for kids

Geoffrey IV (born around 1073 – died 1106) was a French nobleman. He was also known as "Martel," which means "the Hammer." He became the Count of Anjou in 1096 and held this important position until he died.

Early Life and Bravery

Geoffrey was born around 1073. He was the oldest son of Fulk IV Réchin, who was also a Count of Anjou. His mother was Ermengarde of Bourbon. When he was young, Geoffrey showed great courage in battles. Because of his bravery, people gave him the nickname "Martel the Second." This name honored another famous leader, Geoffrey II of Anjou, who was also called "Martel."

Protecting Maine

A powerful leader named Elias I, Count of Maine, planned to go on a Crusade. Crusades were religious wars fought in the Middle East. Elias asked William Rufus, the King of England, to protect his lands while he was away. But William Rufus refused. He wanted to take control of Maine for himself.

William Rufus captured Elias. At this time, Geoffrey IV was supposed to marry Elias's daughter, Eremburge. So, Geoffrey quickly went to Maine to defend it from William Rufus's attacks. His father also helped by building a fort near the border of Normandy. However, Elias did not trust Geoffrey's father. Elias agreed to give William Rufus control of Maine in exchange for his freedom. William Rufus then held Maine until he died in 1100.

Becoming Count of Anjou

In 1096, Geoffrey IV's father, Fulk IV, made an important decision. He released his brother, Geoffrey III, who was the rightful Count of Anjou but had been removed from power. This happened because Pope Urban II, a very important religious leader, asked for it. The Pope said that Geoffrey IV Martel should become the new Count of Anjou.

Fulk IV agreed to step down, and his son Geoffrey became the count. A historian named Orderic Vitalis wrote that Geoffrey brought peace to Anjou. He was a very good and strong leader for several years.

Family Challenges

In 1103, Geoffrey's father, Fulk IV, changed his mind. He decided that his younger son, Fulk "Le Jeune," should be the count instead of Geoffrey. Fulk IV was old, but he still wanted to control Anjou. This led to some fighting between father and son.

Fulk IV was supported by his son-in-law, William IX, Duke of Aquitaine. Geoffrey Martel, however, had the support of Elias I, Count of Maine. In the end, Fulk IV lost, and Geoffrey remained the Count of Anjou.

Geoffrey's Death

Three years later, in 1106, Geoffrey was leading a siege against a place called Candé. A siege is when an army surrounds a castle or town to try and capture it. The people inside the castle wanted to talk about peace and surrender.

While Geoffrey was discussing the situation, a crossbowman suddenly shot a bolt, which is a short arrow, from the castle. The bolt hit Geoffrey in the arm. Geoffrey died the very next day, on May 11, 1106. He was not married when he died.