Peter II of Aragon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Peter II
The only known contemporary image of Peter, Liber feudorum Ceritaniae (1200-1209), pg. 64v.
King of Aragon Count of Barcelona
Reign	25 April 1196 – 12 September 1213
Coronation	1205 in Rome
Predecessor	Alfonso II
Successor	James I
Born	July 1178 Huesca
Died	12 September 1213(1213-09-12) (aged 35) Muret
Burial	priory of San Juan de Sijena
Spouse	Marie of Montpellier
Issue	James I of Aragon
House	Barcelona
Father	Alfonso II of Aragon
Mother	Sancha of Castile
Religion	Roman Catholicism

Peter II the Catholic (Catalan: Pere el Catòlic; Aragonese: Pero II o Catolico) was a king who ruled Aragon and Barcelona from 1196 to 1213. He was born in July 1178 and died in September 1213.

Peter was known as "the Catholic" because of his strong support for the Catholic Church. He was an important ruler in the history of Spain and France.

Early Life and Coronation

Peter was born in Huesca, a city in what is now Spain. His parents were Alfonso II of Aragon and Sancha of Castile.

In 1205, Peter traveled to Rome. There, he was crowned king by Pope Innocent III. This was a very important event. Peter promised to defend the Catholic faith. He was the first king of Aragon to be crowned by the Pope.

Peter also ordered the creation of a special book. This book was called the Liber feudorum Ceritaniae. It was an illustrated book that recorded important documents for three counties: Cerdagne, Conflent, and Roussillon.

Peter's Marriage and Family

On June 15, 1204, Peter married Marie of Montpellier. She was the daughter of William VIII of Montpellier. Marie and Peter had a son named James.

Sadly, Peter soon tried to end his marriage to Marie. Marie was known for her kindness and strength during difficult times. She died in Rome in 1213. Their son, James, later became a very famous king.

Important Battles and Conflicts

Peter II was involved in several important battles during his reign.

The Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa

In 1212, Peter took part in the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa. This was a major battle against Muslim rulers in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). This battle was a big turning point. It helped Christian kingdoms gain more control in the region.

The Albigensian Crusade

Peter's kingdom also had ties to areas in what is now southwestern France. These areas were home to a group called the Cathars. The Cathars had different beliefs from the Catholic Church.

Pope Innocent III called for a special war, known as the Albigensian Crusade, to stop the Cathars. This war began in 1209. It was led by a powerful knight named Simon de Montfort.

The Albigensian Crusade was very harsh. Many people were killed, both Cathars and Catholics. Over twenty years, this war greatly changed the region. It brought the area under the control of the King of France.

The Battle of Muret

After the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, Peter returned home. He found that Simon de Montfort had taken control of Toulouse. The Count of Toulouse, Raymond VI of Toulouse, was Peter's brother-in-law and a ruler under Peter's protection.

Peter crossed the Pyrenees mountains to confront Montfort's army. He arrived at Muret in September 1213. Raymond of Toulouse suggested waiting to fight, hoping to make Montfort's army run out of supplies. However, Peter decided to attack.

The Battle of Muret took place on September 12, 1213. Peter's forces were not well organized. They were defeated by Montfort's soldiers. Peter himself fought bravely but was killed during the battle. He was thrown from his horse and died.

When their king was killed, Peter's army panicked and fled. Montfort's crusaders won a huge victory. This battle was a major loss for the Crown of Aragon. It led to the French king gaining more control over the Occitan region.

Legacy

After Peter's death, his only son, James the Conqueror, became king. James went on to become one of Aragon's most famous rulers.

Images for kids

• 

  Engraving of a sealing of Peter II, from around 1196 to 1213.

See also

In Spanish: Pedro II de Aragón para niños