Hugh, Count of Brienne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh, Count of Brienne
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Seal of Hugh of Brienne
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| Born | c. 1240 |
| Died | 9 August 1296 |
| Noble family | House of Brienne |
| Spouse(s) | Isabella de la Roche Helena Angelina Komnene |
| Issue | Walter V, Count of Brienne |
| Father | Walter IV of Brienne |
| Mother | Marie de Lusignan |
Hugh, who was a Count of Brienne and Lecce, was born around 1240. He was the second son of Walter IV of Brienne and Marie de Lusignan from Cyprus. Hugh passed away on August 9, 1296.
Contents
Hugh's Life and Adventures
Hugh's father, who was the Count of Jaffa and Ascalon in Palestine, was sadly killed in 1244. Hugh's older brother, John, took over as count.
When John died around 1260, Hugh inherited the title of Count of Brienne in France. He also gained his family's claims to lands in southern Italy, including the Principality of Taranto and the County of Lecce. These lands had been taken from his family back in 1205.
Claims to Power
In 1264, Hugh tried to become the temporary ruler, or regent, of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. He believed he had the strongest claim because he was the son of the oldest daughter of Alice of Jerusalem and Hugh I of Cyprus. However, a group of important nobles called the Haute Cour chose his cousin, Hugh of Antioch, instead. After this, Hugh didn't get very involved in the affairs of the Crusader lands, known as Outremer.
Later, in 1267, his second cousin, King Hugh II of Cyprus, died. Even though Hugh had a strong claim, his cousin Hugh of Antioch was crowned King Hugh III of Cyprus. When his other cousin's son, Conradin, the King of Jerusalem, was killed in 1268, the throne again went to his junior cousin, Hugh III.
Service in Italy
Hugh decided to seek his fortune in Europe instead of the Crusader lands. He joined the service of Charles I of Naples, a powerful king in Italy. Charles made Hugh a top commander in places like Brindisi, Otranto, and Apulia. He also became the Lord of Conversano. Hugh was a very strong supporter of Charles's family, known as the Angevins, in Italy. Because of his loyalty and service, he got his family's County of Lecce back.
Hugh was captured twice in naval battles against Roger of Lauria. He was taken prisoner with Charles II of Naples in 1284 during the Battle of the Gulf of Naples. He was captured again in 1287 at the Battle of the Counts. On one of these occasions, he was set free on the condition that his only son, Walter, stayed behind as a hostage.
Hugh was killed in Sicily during the Battle of Gagliano, fighting against a group of Catalan soldiers called the Almogavars. His son, Walter, took over his titles.
Duke of Athens
In 1291, Hugh married Helena Angelina Komnene. She was the widow of William de la Roche, who had been the Duke of Athens. Helena was also the temporary ruler for her young son, Guy II de la Roche. This marriage meant Hugh became the Bailli (a kind of governor or regent) of the Duchy of Athens. He held this position until Guy II became old enough to rule in 1296.
Family Life
Hugh had two wives. His first wife was Isabella de la Roche. They had a son named Walter V (who died in 1311), and a daughter named Agnes. Walter V became count after Hugh. Agnes married Count John of Joigny.
Hugh's second wife was Helena Angelina Komnene. They had one daughter together, named Joanna. Joanna later married Duke Nicholas I Sanudo of Naxos.
Images for kids
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Seal of Hugh of Brienne
