Henry of Flanders facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Henry of Flanders
Emperor and Autocrat of the Romans
Seal of Henry of Flanders
Latin Emperor of Constantinople
Reign	1205–1216
Coronation	20 August 1206
Predecessor	Baldwin I
Successor	Peter
Born	c. 1176 Valenciennes
Died	11 June 1216 Thessaloniki
Spouse	Agnes of Montferrat Maria of Bulgaria
House	House of Flanders
Father	Baldwin V, Count of Hainaut
Mother	Margaret I, Countess of Flanders

Henry of Flanders (born around 1178 – died June 11, 1216) was an important leader during the Fourth Crusade. He later became the Latin emperor of Constantinople. He ruled from 1205 until his death in 1216. The Fourth Crusade led to the capture of the Byzantine Empire and the creation of the Latin Empire.

Life of Henry

Henry was born in Valenciennes, France, around the year 1178. His father was Count Baldwin V of Hainaut. His mother was Countess Margaret I of Flanders.

Henry married Agnes of Montferrat in 1204. She was the daughter of Boniface of Montferrat. Later, in 1213, Henry married Maria. She was the daughter of the Bulgarian ruler Kaloyan. This marriage helped create peace with the Bulgarians.

Henry's Role in the Fourth Crusade

Henry joined the Fourth Crusade around 1201. He showed great bravery and skill during the siege of Constantinople of 1203. He was one of the main generals leading the crusader forces.

During the 1203 siege, Henry commanded one of the eight divisions. Other famous leaders included Boniface of Montferrat and Enrico Dandolo. Henry's own brother, Baldwin IX of Flanders, led the largest group.

In 1204, Henry led a daring mission to find supplies. He raided a castle near the Black Sea. The Byzantine Emperor Alexius V Ducas tried to ambush him. But Henry and his knights bravely defeated the Greek forces. He returned to the crusader camp with valuable items. Henry quickly became a respected leader in the new Latin Empire.

Ruling the Latin Empire

Henry's older brother, Emperor Baldwin, was captured in 1205. This happened during the Battle of Adrianople against the Bulgarians. Henry was chosen to rule the empire temporarily. When news of Baldwin's death arrived, Henry became the new emperor. He was crowned on August 20, 1206.

When Henry became emperor, some nobles in the Kingdom of Thessalonica refused to accept him. This led to a two-year war. Henry defeated these nobles and took control of their castles.

Henry was known as a wise and fair ruler. He spent much of his reign fighting against Tsar Kaloyan of Bulgaria. He also fought against Emperor Theodore I Lascaris of Nicaea. Henry later defeated Boril of Bulgaria in the Battle of Philippopolis.

He also expanded the Latin Empire's lands in Asia Minor. He made a truce with Theodore I in 1214. This agreement helped divide the lands fairly between the Latin and Nicean empires.

Henry treated the local Greek people with respect. A Greek historian from that time, George Akropolites, wrote about Henry's kindness. Henry included many Greeks in his government and army. He treated common people as his own. When a church leader tried to close Orthodox churches, Henry stopped him. He listened to the Greek clergy and protected their churches.

Henry was brave and tolerant. He was not cruel or weak. He even stood up to powerful church leaders when he thought they were wrong. Henry died on June 11, 1216. After his death, his brother-in-law Peter Courtenay became emperor. However, Peter never reached Constantinople. Henry's sister, Yolanda, ruled the empire for a few years.

See also

In Spanish: Enrique de Flandes para niños