Maria of Montpellier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marie |
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The consummation of Marie and Peter II's marriage.
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| Lady of Montpellier | |
| Tenure | 15 June 1204 – 21 April 1213 |
| Predecessor | William IX |
| Successor | James I |
| Co-ruler | Peter |
| Queen consort of Aragon | |
| Tenure | 15 June 1204 – 21 April 1213 |
| Born | 1182 |
| Died | 21 April 1213 (aged 30–31) Rome |
| Spouse |
Barral of Marseille
(m. 1192; died 1192)Bernard IV of Comminges
(m. 1197; div. 2001) |
| Issue | Matilda, Viscountess de la Barthe Petronila, Countess of Astarac Infanta Sancha James I |
| House | Guilhem |
| Father | William VIII of Montpellier |
| Mother | Eudokia Komnene |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Marie of Montpellier (born in 1182, died 21 April 1213) was an important noblewoman. She was the Lady of Montpellier, a region in what is now France. Through her three marriages, she also became Viscountess of Marseille, Countess of Comminges, and Queen of Aragon.
Marie was the daughter of William VIII of Montpellier, who was the Lord of Montpellier. Her mother was Eudokia Komnene, who was related to the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos.
Marie's Early Life and Rights
From the moment Marie was born, she was the rightful heir to the Lordship of Montpellier. This was because of a special rule in her parents' marriage contract. It said that their first child, whether a boy or a girl, would inherit Montpellier after her father's death.
In 1187, Marie's father, William VIII, ended his marriage with Eudokia. He then married another woman named Agnes. Agnes and William had eight children together. Even though Marie's mother, Eudokia, became a nun, William VIII's second marriage was later declared invalid. This meant that all the children from his marriage to Agnes were not considered legitimate heirs. Because of this, Marie remained the clear and rightful heir to Montpellier.
Marriages and Challenges
Marie first married Viscount Raymond Geoffrey II of Marseille in 1192. Sadly, he passed away later that same year.
Her second marriage was in December 1197 to Count Bernard IV of Comminges. At her father's request, Marie gave up her rights to Montpellier. She did this for her older half-brother, William IX of Montpellier, who was Agnes's son.
Marie had two daughters with Bernard IV: Mathilde and Petronille. However, Bernard IV had other wives at the same time. Their marriage was eventually ended in 1201. With this annulment, Marie once again became the heir to Montpellier. But her father still did not accept her as his heir. He continued to say that his son William IX would inherit the region.
Becoming Queen of Aragon
William VIII died in 1202. Marie's half-brother, William IX, took control of Montpellier. But Marie insisted on her own right to rule.
On June 15, 1204, Marie married Peter II of Aragon. Thanks to a rebellion against William IX, Marie was finally recognized as the Lady of Montpellier.
Marie and Peter II had two children. Their daughter, Infanta Sancha, was born in 1205 but died when she was one year old. Their son, Infante James I of Aragon, was born on February 1, 1208. He later became the famous King James I the Conqueror.
Soon after James was born, Peter II tried to end his marriage with Marie. He wanted to marry another queen and also claim Montpellier for himself. Marie spent her last years fighting against these attempts to end their marriage.
Finally, Pope Innocent III ruled in Marie's favor. He did not allow Peter II to divorce her. Marie passed away in Rome on April 21, 1213, while returning to Aragon. Peter II died a few months later in battle. Marie and Peter II's only surviving child, King James I of Aragon, inherited both Aragon and Montpellier.
See also
In Spanish: María de Montpellier para niños
