Rozala of Italy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rozala of Italy |
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| Countess consort of Flanders | |
| Tenure | 968–987 |
| Queen consort of France | |
| Tenure | 996 |
| Born | c. 950–960 |
| Died | 1003 Ghent |
| Spouse | Arnulf II of Flanders Robert II of France |
| Issue | Baldwin IV of Flanders Mathilda |
| House | Ivrea |
| Father | Berengar II of Italy |
| Mother | Willa of Tuscany |
Rozala of Italy (also known as Rozala of Lombardy or Susanna of Ivrea) was an important noblewoman who lived a long time ago, from about 950-960 to 1003. She became the Countess of Flanders when she married Arnulf II of Flanders. Later, she became the Queen of the Franks by marrying Robert II of France. For a short time, from 987 to 988, she was in charge of Flanders as a regent (a temporary ruler) because her son, Baldwin IV of Flanders, was too young to rule.
Rozala's Life Story
Rozala, also called Susanna, was born sometime between the years 950 and 960. Her father was Berengar of Ivrea, who was the King of Italy. Her mother was Willa of Tuscany.
In 976, Rozala married Arnulf II, Count of Flanders. He was the Count of Flanders. When Arnulf died in 987, their son was still very young. This meant Rozala became the regent for her son. A regent is someone who rules a country when the rightful ruler is too young or unable to do so.
Flanders, the region Rozala's son was supposed to rule, was facing threats from France. To protect Flanders and her son, Rozala made a plan. She decided to marry the son of the King of France. When she remarried, she gave up her role as regent. Her son's grandmother, Matilda of Saxony, countess of Flanders, took over as regent instead.
Around April 1, 988, Rozala married for the second time. Her new husband was Robert the Pious. He was much younger than her. His father, Hugh Capet, who was the King of France, had arranged this marriage.
When Rozala married Robert, she changed her name to Susannah. She became the queen because Robert was a co-ruling king with his father. Some stories say she brought important lands like Montreuil and Ponthieu to her husband as a dowry. A dowry is property or money that a bride brings to her marriage.
By 991 or 992, Rozala and Robert were mostly living apart. They did not have a good relationship. Also, Rozala was around 38 years old, which was considered too old to have more children at that time.
When Robert's father died in 996, Robert decided to end his marriage with Rozala completely. He wanted to marry another woman named Bertha of Burgundy. That marriage also didn't last. Robert married a third time in 1003, to Constance of Arles. They had seven children together.
After her marriage to Robert ended, Rozala went back to Flanders. She died there in 1003 and was buried. Robert kept control of the lands that had been part of her dowry.
Rozala's Marriages and Children
Rozala had two marriages during her life.
Her first marriage was to Arnulf II, Count of Flanders. They were married from 976 to 987. They had two children:
- Baldwin IV, Count of Flanders (980–1035)
- Mathilda (died in 995)
Her second marriage was to Robert II of France. They were married from 988 to 996. They did not have any children together.
See also
In Spanish: Susana de Italia para niños
