Robert II, Count of Artois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robert II |
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| Count of Artois | |
| Reign | 1250–1302 |
| Predecessor | Robert I |
| Successor | Matilda |
| Born | September 1250 |
| Died | 11 July 1302 (aged 51) near Kortrijk, County of Flanders |
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| House | House of Artois |
| Father | Robert I of Artois |
| Mother | Matilda of Brabant |
Robert II (born September 1250 – died 11 July 1302) was a powerful noble known as the Count of Artois. He was born after his father, Robert I of Artois, had already passed away. His mother was Matilda of Brabant. Robert II was also the nephew of a famous French king, Louis IX of France. He is remembered for his military skills and for dying in a major battle called the Battle of the Golden Spurs.
Life as a Count and Soldier
Robert II was a very experienced soldier. In 1285, he was chosen to be a temporary ruler, called a regent, for the Angevin Kingdom of Naples. This was during a time when the kingdom was fighting in a conflict known as the War of the Sicilian Vespers.
He also took part in a military campaign called the Aragonese Crusade. In 1287, he tried to invade the island of Sicily.
In 1288, Robert started building a huge park at Hesdin Castle. This park was amazing! It had a special area for animals (a menagerie), places for birds (aviaries), and even fishponds. There were also orchards, a beautiful enclosed garden, and areas perfect for knightly tournaments. The park even featured cool mechanical statues, like waving monkeys covered in animal skins!
Robert continued his military career. In 1297, he defeated the Flemish army at the Battle of Furnes. He was sent to Flanders again in July 1302. There, he began to damage the countryside and tried to capture the town of Kortrijk.
The Battle of the Golden Spurs
Robert II then faced the Flemish army at the famous Battle of the Golden Spurs. His foot soldiers, called infantry, were doing very well against the Flemish, who were mostly city fighters. However, Robert ordered his infantry to pull back. He wanted his cavalry, the knights on horseback, to make the final, winning attack.
But the ground was broken and marshy, which made it very difficult for the knights. Their horses could not get enough speed to break through the Flemish shield wall. Many knights were knocked down and killed. Robert then led some of his reserve troops in a second charge, hoping to turn the battle around. But he was knocked off his horse by a Flemish fighter named Willem van Saeftinghe. Robert and his troops were then cut down by the Flemish foot soldiers.
Robert's Family
In 1262, Robert married Amicie de Courtenay in Paris. She was born in 1250 and died in 1275. They had three children together:
- Mahaut (born 1268 – died 1329)
- Philip (born 1269 – died 1298)
- Robert (born 1271, but died when he was young).
After Amicie passed away, Robert married two more times. First, in 1277, he married Agnes of Dampierre (1237–1288). Then, on 18 October 1298, he married Margaret (who died in 1342). She was the daughter of John II, Count of Hainaut.
After Robert's death, his daughter Mahaut inherited the region of Artois. However, his grandson, Robert III of Artois, tried to claim it for himself, but he was not successful.
See also
In Spanish: Roberto II de Artois para niños
