Joanna of Châtillon facts for kids

Joanna of Châtillon (born around 1285, died 16 January 1354) was an important noblewoman in medieval France. She was also known as Joan. She became the Duchess of Athens when she married Walter V of Brienne in 1305. Her father was Gaucher V de Châtillon, a very powerful official known as the Constable of France. This role meant he was the chief commander of the French army. Her mother was Isabelle de Dreux.

Her Life and Family

In 1305, Joanna married Walter V of Brienne. Walter was the son of Hugh of Brienne, who was a Count. A Count was a ruler of a specific area of land, similar to a duke or a prince.

Joanna and Walter had two children:

• Walter VI of Brienne: He became a Count and was also known as the Duke of Athens. He died in 1356. His children passed away young, so his titles and lands went to his sister.
• Isabella of Brienne: She was a Countess and claimed the title of Duchess of Athens. She married Walter of Enghien and had eleven children.

The Battle of Halmyros

On 15 March 1311, Joanna's husband, Walter V, was killed. This happened during the Battle of Halmyros. He was fighting against a group of soldiers called the Catalan Company. After his death, Joanna may have tried to defend the Acropolis of Athens, a famous ancient fortress. However, she eventually had to give it up to the Catalans.

Joanna then returned to France with her young son, Walter VI. Even though she left, some of her loyal supporters, led by Walter of Foucherolles, continued to hold lands in Greece, like Argos and Nauplia.

Keeping Her Claims Alive

Joanna was determined to get back the lands and titles for her son. In April 1318, she and her father asked the Republic of Venice for help. They wanted money and ships to send knights and soldiers to Greece. However, Venice refused their request. This was because many of Walter V's former supporters in Greece had already joined the Catalans.

Despite this, Walter of Foucherolles remained loyal to Joanna and her son. He kept his ships in the Argolid region loyal to them. Joanna kept asking for help from powerful leaders. She petitioned the King of Naples, the King of France, and even the Pope. She did this to make sure her son's claim to Athens was not forgotten. She continued these efforts until Walter VI was old enough to fight for his rights in the Aegean Sea.

In January 1321, the King of France, Philip V of France, helped settle a disagreement. Joanna's own son, Walter VI, was suing her. He wanted her to pay off some of his father's large debts.

Joanna kept her title as Duchess of Athens until she died. Her tomb, which was in a church in Troyes (now destroyed), had the words Duchesse d'Athènes (Duchess of Athens) carved on it.

See also

In Spanish: Juana de Châtillon para niños