Mathilde of Saarbrücken facts for kids

Mathilde of Saarbrücken (born around 1224, died around 1276) was an important ruler in the 13th century. She was a countess who governed the region of Saarbrücken from 1271 to 1276. Mathilde was known for her family connections and for passing on her title to her son.

Becoming Countess of Saarbrücken

Mathilde was the youngest daughter of Simon III, Count of Saarbrücken. When her father died, her older sister, Lauretta, became the Countess. Lauretta had a daughter and a son, but sadly, both of them died young. Because of this, when Lauretta passed away, her younger sister Mathilde became the next ruler of Saarbrücken.

Mathilde's Marriages and Children

Mathilde was married twice during her life. These marriages helped connect her family to other important noble families.

Her First Marriage

Mathilde first married Simon III of Commercy. He was the son of Gaucher I, a powerful lord (called a Seigneur) from a place called Broyes-Commercy. Simon died around 1247. It's not completely clear if Simon himself was a Seigneur of Commercy, but this important title did pass to his children later on.

Her Second Marriage

After Simon's death, Mathilde became a widow. Around 1248, she married again to a man named Amadeus. Amadeus was a lord (Seigneur) of Montfaucon. He lived until about 1280.

Mathilde's Children

Mathilde had several children who went on to hold important titles and positions:

• Simon IV, Count of Saarbrücken (born 1247, died 1308): He became the Count of Saarbrücken after his mother. He also inherited the title of Seigneur of Commercy. Simon IV married twice and started a new branch of the family called the House of Saarbrücken-Commercy. His son, Jean I, later became the Count of Saarbrücken and also the Seigneur of Commercy.
• Jaquemin of Saarbrücken: He became a cleric, which means he worked for the church.
• Friedrich: He was also known as Frederick and was a lord (Seigneur) of Commercy.
• Laure (died 1275): She married Jean "the old". He was a Count of Chalon and a lord of Salins. He also acted as a regent (a temporary ruler) for the County of Burgundy.
• Jean (died 1306): He became a lord (Seigneur) of Montfaucon, Orbe, and Échallens.
• Gauthier II (born around 1250, died 1309): He was a lord (Seigneur) of Vuillafans-le-Vieux and later of Montfaucon. He married Mathilde of Chaussin.
• Agnès (died 1278): She married Aymon II, Count of Geneva.