Mahaut, Countess of Artois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mahaut of Artois |
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| Countess of Artois | |
| Reign | 11 July 1302 – 27 November 1329 |
| Predecessor | Robert II |
| Successor | Joan II |
| Born | c. 1268 Prob. Artois, France |
| Died | 27 November 1329 (aged 60–61) Paris, Île-de-France, France |
| Burial | Maubuisson Abbey, near Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône |
| Spouse | |
| Issue | Joan, Queen of France Blanche, Queen of France Robert of Burgundy |
| House | Artois (by birth) Ivrea (by marriage) |
| Father | Robert II, Count of Artois |
| Mother | Amicie of Courtenay |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Mahaut of Artois (born around 1268, died November 27, 1329) was a powerful noblewoman in medieval France. She was also known as Mathilda. Mahaut ruled as the Countess of Artois from 1302 until her death in 1329. She also served as a regent for her daughter in the County of Burgundy for many years.
Contents
Mahaut's Life Story
Her Early Years
Mahaut was the oldest child and only daughter of Robert II, Count of Artois, and Amicie of Courtenay. Her father was a count, which meant he ruled a large area of land called a county. She had two younger brothers, Philip and Robert.
In 1291, Mahaut married Otto IV, Count of Burgundy. Together, they had three children. Two of their daughters later married kings of France, which shows how important and connected Mahaut's family was.
Becoming Countess of Artois
Mahaut's brother, Philip, died before their father. This meant that when her father, Robert II, passed away in 1302, Mahaut inherited the County of Artois. This was unusual because her nephew, Robert III, thought he should have inherited it.
Robert III challenged Mahaut's right to rule many times. However, the highest court in France, the Parlement of Paris, always supported Mahaut. She was a very skilled ruler and managed to stop many rebellions by other nobles. She had a trusted helper, the Bishop of Arras, named Thierry de Hérisson, who helped her manage her lands.
Ruling in Burgundy
When Mahaut's husband, Otto IV, died in 1303, their daughter Joan inherited the County of Burgundy. Since Joan was still young, Mahaut became her regent. A regent is someone who rules in place of a child or someone who is unable to rule themselves.
In 1307, Joan married Philip V of France, who would later become a king of France. Even after Joan was married, Mahaut continued to manage the lands of Burgundy for her daughter until 1315.
Her Later Years and Death
Mahaut passed away on November 27, 1329. After her death, her daughter Joan inherited the County of Artois, adding it to her own lands.
Mahaut's Children
- Joan II, Countess of Burgundy (born around 1291, died 1330): She married Philip V of France.
- Blanche of Burgundy (born around 1296, died 1326): She married Charles IV of France.
- Robert of Burgundy (born around 1300, died 1317).
Mahaut in Stories
Mahaut is a very important character in a famous series of historical novels called Les Rois maudits (which means The Accursed Kings). These books were written by Maurice Druon. In these stories, Mahaut is shown as a very strong and powerful woman.
Many people have played Mahaut in TV shows based on these books. Hélène Duc played her in a French TV series in 1972, and Jeanne Moreau played her in a remake in 2005.
See also
In Spanish: Matilde de Artois para niños
