Peter II of Courtenay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peter |
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| Latin Emperor of Constantinople | |
| Reign | 1216 – 1217 (de facto) or 1219 (de jure) |
| Coronation | 9 April 1217 |
| Predecessor | Henry |
| Successor | Yolanda |
| Died | 1219 |
| Spouse |
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| Issue Detail |
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| House | Courtenay |
| Father | Peter I of Courtenay |
| Mother | Elizabeth de Courtenay |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Peter, also known as Peter II of Courtenay (in French, Pierre de Courtenay), was an important ruler in the Middle Ages. He was the emperor of the Latin Empire of Constantinople from 1216 until 1217. He died in 1219.
Contents
Peter's Life and Reign
Early Life and Family Background
Peter II was the son of Peter I of Courtenay. His father was a younger son of Louis VI of France, a powerful king. Peter's mother was Elisabeth de Courtenay.
Peter married twice. His first wife was Agnes I, Countess of Nevers. Through her, he gained control of three important areas: Nevers, Auxerre, and Tonnerre.
In 1193, he married his second wife, Yolanda of Flanders. Yolanda was the sister of two previous emperors of the Latin Empire: Baldwin and Henry of Flanders.
Peter's Adventures and Battles
Peter was a knight and a leader. He joined his cousin, King Philip Augustus, on the Third Crusade in 1190. This was a big journey to the Holy Land. Peter returned to France in 1193.
He also fought in the Albigensian Crusade in 1209 and 1211. This was a war against a religious group in southern France. During this time, he helped in the siege of Lavaur. Peter was also present at the famous Battle of Bouvines in 1214.
Becoming Emperor of Constantinople
In 1216, Peter's brother-in-law, Emperor Henry of Flanders, passed away without children. Peter was chosen to be the next emperor. He left his home in France with a small army to claim his new throne.
On April 9, 1217, Peter was officially crowned emperor. This happened in Rome, at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence outside the Walls. Pope Honorius III performed the ceremony.
A Difficult Journey and His Death
After his coronation, Peter borrowed ships from the Venetians. He promised to capture a city called Durazzo for them. However, he failed to take the city.
He then tried to travel to Constantinople by land. But on his journey, he was captured by Theodore Komnenos Doukas, the ruler of Epirus. Peter was held prisoner for two years. He died in prison in 1219, likely due to harsh treatment.
Peter never actually ruled his empire directly. His wife, Yolanda, managed to reach Constantinople and ruled the empire for a time. Two of his sons, Robert and Baldwin, later became emperors themselves.
Peter's Family
Peter had children from both of his marriages.
Children with Agnes I, Countess of Nevers
- Matilda I, Countess of Nevers
Children with Yolanda of Flanders
- Philip (died 1226): He was the Marquis of Namur. He was offered the crown of the Latin Empire but chose not to take it.
- Robert of Courtenay (died 1228): He became the Latin Emperor of Constantinople.
- Henry (died 1229): He was also a Marquis of Namur.
- Baldwin II of Constantinople (died 1273): He also became a Latin Emperor of Constantinople.
- Margaret (died 1270): She was the Marchioness of Namur. She married twice.
- Elizabeth of Courtenay: She also married twice.
- Yolanda de Courtenay: She married Andrew II of Hungary, who was the King of Hungary and Croatia.
- Eleanor: She married Philip of Montfort, Lord of Tyre.
- Marie de Courtenay: She married Theodore I Lascaris, the Emperor of Nicaea.
- Agnes: She married Geoffrey II Villehardouin, the Prince of Achaea.
Illegitimate Son
- Geoffrey (died 1229): He was the marquis of Lavaur.
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Peter II of Courtenay
Cadet branch of the House of Capet
Born: c.1155 Died: 1218 |
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| Regnal titles | ||
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| Preceded by Henry of Flanders |
Latin Emperor of Constantinople 1216–1217 |
Succeeded by Yolanda of Flanders as regent |
| Royal titles | ||
| Preceded by Agnes I |
Count of Nevers, Auxerre and Tonnerre 1184–1200 |
Succeeded by Matilda I |
