Otto-William, Count of Burgundy facts for kids

Otto-William (born around 955-962, died September 21, 1026 AD) was an important count who ruled over several areas like Mâcon, Nevers, and Burgundy. He played a big role in the history of these regions.

Otto-William's Early Life

Otto was born in 958. At that time, his grandfather, King Berengar II of Italy, and his father, King Adalbert, ruled together. His mother was named Gerberga.

After his father Adalbert died around 971-975, Otto's mother Gerberga married again. Her new husband was Henry I, Duke of Burgundy. Henry was the younger brother of King Hugh Capet of France.

Gerberga and Henry did not have any children together. Because Henry had no sons of his own, he adopted Otto-William. This made Otto a possible heir to the Duchy of Burgundy.

Becoming a Powerful Count

Even though Otto was the son of a king, he did not marry a princess. Around 982, he married Ermentrude of Roucy. Her grandmother was a sister of Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor. This marriage connected Otto's family to many important royal families in France, Germany, and Burgundy.

This marriage also brought Otto-William the County of Mâcon. He also gained many other rights on the left side of the Saône River. This area was in the province of Besançon. As the new Count of Mâcon, Otto made his political power strong there. This region later became known as the Free County of Burgundy around Dole.

Otto may have inherited the County of Nevers from his mother before 990. However, he gave Nevers to his stepson Landric. Instead, Otto claimed the County of Beaune, which was part of his mother Gerberga's dowry.

Conflicts and Later Years

The Duchy of Burgundy eventually became part of the French kingdom. This happened in 1005 under King Robert II, who was Henry I's nephew.

Otto wanted to be the independent ruler of his own lands. So, in 1016, he rebelled against Emperor Henry II. This happened after Rudolph III of Burgundy, the last king of Burgundy and Arles, had promised to support Henry. Rudolph also made Henry his heir.

When Otto-William died, the Free County of Burgundy came under the rule of the German emperors. Otto died on September 21, 1026, when he was 64 years old. He was buried in St-Benigne of Dijon.

Otto-William's Family

Otto-William's first wife Ermentrude

Otto's first wife was Ermentrude. She was the daughter of Renaud of Roucy. Otto and Ermentrude had several children:

• Guy (born around 982, died 1006). He was a count of Mâcon from 995.
• Matilda, who married Landri of Nevers, the Count of Nevers.
• Gerberga, who married Guilhem II of Provence.
• Reginald I, Count of Burgundy (born around 990, died 1057). He married Adelaide (also known as Judith) of Normandy.
• Agnes. She first married William V of Aquitaine and then Geoffrey II of Anjou.

Later in his life, Otto married a second wife named Adelaide.

See also

In Spanish: Otón-Guillermo de Borgoña para niños

• Dukes of Burgundy family tree