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Hugh III
Hugh III.jpg
Seal of Hugh III of Burgundy
Duke of Burgundy
Reign 1162–1192
Predecessor Odo II
Successor Odo III
Born 1142
Died 25 August 1192(1192-08-25) (aged 49–50)
Acre
Spouse
Alice of Lorraine
(m. 1165; div. 1183)

(m. 1183)
Issue
Detail
Odo III, Duke of Burgundy
Guy VI of Viennois
Margaret of Burgundy
House Burgundy
Father Odo II, Duke of Burgundy
Mother Marie of Champagne

Hugh III (born 1142, died August 25, 1192) was an important leader known as the Duke of Burgundy. He ruled from 1162 to 1192. During his time as duke, his land was attacked by King Philip II. Hugh had to make peace. Later, he joined a big journey called the Third Crusade, where he showed great bravery in battles like Arsuf and Acre. He passed away in Acre in 1192.

Life as Duke

Hugh was the oldest son of Duke Odo II and Marie. She was the daughter of Theobald II, Count of Champagne.

When Hugh became duke, the peaceful times in the duchy of Burgundy started to change. Hugh was a strong and determined leader. He soon got into fights with King Louis VII of France over their shared borders.

Conflicts with the French King

In 1180, a new king, Philip Augustus, took over from Louis. Hugh saw this as a chance to make his own land stronger. He convinced some local lords to switch their loyalty to Burgundy. King Philip II wasn't happy about losing these supporters.

So, in 1186, King Philip II attacked Burgundy. He surrounded the town of Châtillon. The town fell, and Hugh's son, Odo, who was leading the soldiers there, was captured. Hugh had to negotiate for peace. He paid a large amount of money to get his son back. He also agreed to stop trying to take French land.

Moving the Capital

In 1187, Hugh decided to move the capital city of Burgundy. He chose Dijon as the new capital. He worked hard to make Dijon a major center for trade and business.

Joining the Crusade

After dealing with issues at home, Hugh turned his attention to the Holy Land. He joined the Third Crusade with King Philip II of France. This was a major religious war to take back holy sites.

Battles and Leadership

Hugh played a very important part in the victory at the Battle of Arsuf on September 7, 1191. He also fought bravely at the Siege of Acre.

When King Philip II returned to France in July 1191, he left Hugh in charge of the French soldiers. In January 1192, Hugh traveled to Ascalon. There, he had a disagreement with Richard I of England about paying his troops. Hugh died in August 1192 in Acre.

Family Life

Hugh III was married two times.

His first marriage was in 1165 to Alice. She was the daughter of Matthias I, Duke of Lorraine. They had four children together:

  • Odo III (1166–1218), who became the next Duke of Burgundy.
  • Alexander (1170–1206), who became Lord of Montaigu.
  • Douce (1175 – around 1219).
  • Alice (1177–1266).

Hugh ended his marriage to Alice in 1183.

His second marriage was in 1183 to Beatrice. She was the Countess of Albon and Dauphine of Viennois. With Beatrice, Hugh had three more children:

  • Guigues VI (1184–1237), who became the Dauphin of Viennois.
  • Mahaut (1190–1242).
  • Margaret (1192–1243).

See also

Hugh III, Duke of Burgundy
House of Burgundy
Cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty
Born: 1142 Died: 25 August 1192
Preceded by
Odo II
Duke of Burgundy
1162–1192
Succeeded by
Odo III
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