Maine (province) Facts for Kids

Map of Maine.

Maine was an old region, or province, in France. Its main city, or capital, was Le Mans. Today, this area is split into two parts called departments: Sarthe and Mayenne.

History of Maine

The Carolingians, an old European family, called Maine pagis cenomannicus. This name came from the Cenomani tribe, which Julius Caesar had defeated long ago. Later, Pepin the Short, a king, gave the area of Maine to his half-brother Grifo.

In the late 800s, Maine became more important. This was because of attacks from Normandy and Brittany. In 924, King Rudolph of France gave Maine to Rollo of Normandy. Maine was located between Anjou to the south and Normandy to the north. Because of this, these two powerful regions often fought over Maine.

William, Duke of Normandy, invaded Maine in 1063. By early 1064, he controlled the entire area. Norman control of Maine helped protect Normandy's southern border from Anjou. This was a key reason why Duke William could successfully invade England in 1066. This event is known as the Norman conquest of England.

In 1069, the people of Le Mans rebelled against the Normans. Soon, some local leaders, called barons, joined the revolt. The Normans were forced out in 1070. Young Hugh V became the new Count of Maine.

After more Norman attacks in 1073, 1088, 1098, and 1099, Elias I took over. He bought Maine from his cousin Hugh V in 1092 for ten thousand shillings. Elias's daughter later married Fulk V, Count of Anjou. Fulk took control of Maine in 1110 after Elias died. Henri Beauclerc, who was King of England, agreed to recognize Fulk as the Count of Maine.

Fulk's son, Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou, inherited Maine. In 1051, Maine passed to Geoffrey's son, Henry, Duke of Normandy. This Henry later became King Henry I of England. For the first time, Anjou, Maine, and Normandy were all ruled by the same person. Henry later started the Plantagenet royal family in England.

The King of France, Philippe Auguste, attacked the lands held by the Plantagenet family. These lands were known as the Angevin Empire. At the time, they were ruled by John, King of England. In 1331, the Count of Maine became a "peer of the realm." This meant he was a very important noble with special rights.

After the Battle of Verneuil in 1424, the English army took over Maine. They held Le Mans until 1448 and Fresnay until 1449. In 1481, Charles V of Anjou left his lands to Louis IX of France. This action returned the county of Maine to the French crown, meaning it became part of the King's direct control.