Matthias II, Duke of Lorraine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Matthias II
S[IGILLUM] MATHEI DUCIS LOTHORINGIE ET MARCIONIS
Duke of Lorraine
Reign	1220 - 9 February 1251
Predecessor	Theobald I, Duke of Lorraine
Successor	Frederick III, Duke of Lorraine
Born	c. 1193
Died	9 February 1251
Spouse	Catherine of Limburg
Issue	Frederick III, Duke of Lorraine Laure Isabella Catherine Adeline
House	House of Lorraine
Father	Frederick II, Duke of Lorraine
Mother	Agnes of Bar

Matthias II (born around 1193, died February 9, 1251) was an important ruler known as the Duke of Lorraine. He became Duke in 1220 and ruled until he passed away. Matthias was the son of Duke Frederick II and Agnes of Bar. He took over the duchy after his brother, Theobald I, died.

Becoming Duke of Lorraine

When Matthias became Duke, he faced some challenges right away. His brother, Theobald I, had fought many wars. These wars had weakened the duchy. Because of this, Matthias had to give the city of Nancy to his brother's widow, Gertrude of Dagsburg.

Gertrude later married Theobald IV of Champagne. Matthias had to accept Theobald IV as his overlord for a while. This was because of the difficult situation his brother had left behind. Luckily, Gertrude did not have children from her third marriage. When she died in 1225, Nancy became part of the duchy again.

Alliances and Crusades

Matthias II worked to make Lorraine strong again. He decided to rebuild a close friendship with the Holy Roman Emperors. This alliance had been important for his family for over a hundred years. His brother's wars had broken this long-standing friendship.

In 1228, Matthias joined Emperor Frederick II on the Sixth Crusade. This was a journey to the Holy Land. He also traveled with the Emperor to Italy in 1235. These actions showed his loyalty and helped strengthen their alliance.

Dealing with Rebellions

Matthias also had to deal with some powerful local lords. These lords were sometimes rebellious. One of them was the Count of Lunéville. This count was secretly supported by the Count of Bar. Matthias fought against him and won. He managed to bring Lunéville back under the duchy's control.

However, peace did not last long. In 1230, Henry II of Bar attacked Matthias's lands again. He was joined by Hugh II of Vaudémont and the Bishop of Toul. They raided Matthias's territories and took some castles.

Changing Loyalties

In 1235, Duke Matthias helped Emperor Frederick II put down a rebellion. This rebellion was led by the Emperor's own son, Henry VII. Matthias showed his support for the Emperor.

However, the political situation in Europe was always changing. In 1240, Matthias signed a letter to Pope Gregory IX. This letter supported the Pope's decision to remove the Emperor from his church position. Later, in 1247, Matthias promised to help Pope Innocent IV against the Emperor. This shows how leaders often had to change sides to protect their lands and power.

Later Years and Family

When Henry of Bar died in 1240, Matthias tried to get back the castles he had lost. He fought against Henry's young son, Theobald II of Bar. But Matthias was not successful. In 1245, they signed a peace agreement. This peace lasted for many decades.

Matthias II died a few years later, in 1251. Before his death, he arranged a very good marriage for his son. His son was to marry the daughter of the Count of Champagne. This marriage helped secure the future of the Duchy of Lorraine.

Family Life

In 1225, Matthias II married Catherine of Limburg. She was the daughter of Waleran III of Limburg, who was a Duke and a Count. Matthias and Catherine had several children:

• Ferry III (1240–1303): He became the next Duke of Lorraine after his father.
• Laure: She married Jean de Dampierre in 1250. Later, she married Guillaume de Vergy.
• Isabella (1231–1266): She married Guillaume de Vienne. After he died, she married Jean de Chalon in 1256.
• Catherine: She married Richard de Montfaucon in 1255.
• Adeline (died around 1278): She married Louis of Savoy.

See also

• Dukes of Lorraine family tree