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Theobald III, Count of Champagne facts for kids

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Theobald III
Count of Champagne
Thibaut 1198.jpg
Seal of Theobald III
Born 13 May 1179
Troyes
Died 24 May 1201(1201-05-24) (aged 22)
Troyes
Noble family
Spouse(s)
(m. 1199)
Issue Theobald IV of Champagne
Father Henry I, Count of Champagne
Mother Marie of France

Theobald III (born May 13, 1179 – died May 24, 1201) was a powerful noble who ruled as the Count of Champagne from 1197 until his death. He was chosen to be the next count by his older brother, Henry II, who was going on a big journey to the Holy Land during the Third Crusade. When Henry II passed away, Theobald became the count. He worked closely with his uncle, King Philip II of France, who was his most important lord. Theobald died at a young age. His son, Theobald IV, was born after his death. Theobald III's wife, Blanche of Navarre, ruled Champagne for their son until he was old enough.

Who Was Theobald III?

Theobald III was the younger son of Count Henry I of Champagne and Marie of France. He became the count of Champagne in 1197 after his older brother, Henry II, died. Theobald married Blanche of Navarre on July 1, 1199, in a city called Chartres. They had a daughter named Marie. Their son, Theobald IV, was born after Theobald III had passed away.

Theobald's Time as Count

As Count, Theobald III made important decisions for Champagne. He worked with King Philip II of France to create rules about how people should live and trade. These rules helped manage financial agreements between the count and the king.

The Fourth Crusade and Theobald's Role

In 1198, Pope Innocent III called for a new holy war, known as the Fourth Crusade. At first, not many people were excited about joining. However, on November 28, 1199, many important nobles from France gathered at Theobald's castle in Ecry-sur-Aisne for a tournament. A famous preacher named Fulk of Neuilly was also there. During this event, many nobles decided to join the crusade. They chose Theobald to be their leader.

Sadly, Theobald died in 1201, before the crusade could properly begin. He was replaced as leader by Boniface I, Marquess of Montferrat.

After Theobald's Death

Theobald III died on May 24, 1201. His wife, Blanche, became the ruler of Champagne for the next 21 years. She ruled as a regent, meaning she governed on behalf of her young son, Theobald IV. During this time, Theobald's nieces, Alice and Philippa, tried to claim the title of Count. They were the daughters of Theobald's predecessor, Henry II. Theobald was buried next to his father, Henry, at the Church of Saint Stephen in Troyes.

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Theobald III, Count of Champagne
Born: 13 May 1179 Died: 24 May 1201
Preceded by
Henry II
Count of Champagne
1197–1201
Succeeded by
Theobald IV
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