Theobald I of Navarre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Theobald I |
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A drawing of Theobald with the coat of arms of Navarre
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| King of Navarre | |
| Reign | 1234 – 8 July 1253 |
| Predecessor | Sancho VII |
| Successor | Theobald II |
| Count of Champagne | |
| Reign | 30 May 1201 – 8 July 1253 |
| Predecessor | Theobald III |
| Successor | Theobald II |
| Born | 30 May 1201 Troyes, County of Champagne |
| Died | 8 July 1253 (aged 52) Pamplona, Kingdom of Navarre |
| Burial | Pamplona Cathedral |
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| Issue more... |
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| House | House of Blois |
| Father | Theobald III, Count of Champagne |
| Mother | Blanche of Navarre |
Theobald I (born 30 May 1201, died 8 July 1253) was a famous king and poet from the Middle Ages. He was the Count of Champagne (as Theobald IV) and later became the King of Navarre. Because he was a talented songwriter, he was known as the Troubadour. He was also called the Posthumous because his father died just before he was born.
Contents
A Challenging Start as Count of Champagne
Born in Troyes, France, Theobald's life began with a challenge. His father, Theobald III of Champagne, passed away before he was born. His mother, Blanche of Navarre, ruled Champagne as a regent, which means she governed in his place until he was old enough to rule himself in 1222.
A Fight for His Title
Theobald's right to be the Count of Champagne was challenged by his cousin, Philippa, and her husband, Erard of Brienne. This led to a war known as the Champagne War of Succession. Theobald had to fight to keep his title. When he was 21, he finally ended the conflict by paying them a large sum of money to give up their claim.
Disagreements with the King
Theobald also had disagreements with the King of France, Louis VIII. The king wanted to enforce new, strict rules on the Jewish people in France. Theobald refused to follow these rules in Champagne. He had a good relationship with the Jewish community, who were important to Champagne's economy. This disagreement created tension between Theobald and the king.
During a military campaign called the Albigensian Crusade, Theobald left the king's army after serving the minimum 40 days required. Soon after, King Louis VIII died. Some people started rumors that Theobald had betrayed the king.
Jealous Nobles and an Invasion
After the king's death, his wife, Blanche of Castile, became the regent for her young son, Louis IX. Theobald became a close advisor to Queen Blanche. Some people spread rumors that they were too close, and he even wrote poems for her. This made other powerful nobles in France very jealous.
These jealous nobles invaded Champagne from 1229 to 1230. Theobald had to defend his land. He won the war, but it was very expensive. The wars and other debts left Champagne's economy in a bad state. To raise money, Theobald had to sell some of the lands his family had ruled for generations.
In 1234, Theobald's life changed for the better. His uncle Sancho VII of Navarre died without children, and Theobald became the new King of Navarre. This made him much more powerful and wealthy. The nobles who had attacked him before now left him alone.
Governing His Kingdom
As king, Theobald was a good ruler. He made agreements with the neighboring kingdoms of Castile and Aragon. He organized Navarre into four districts to help manage taxes and keep order. He also ordered that the kingdom's laws and traditions, called the fueros, be written down for the first time.
The Barons' Crusade
In 1239, Theobald led a group of European nobles on a crusade to the Holy Land. This was called the Barons' Crusade. While there were some battles, the crusade was most famous for its successful negotiations.
Theobald made a treaty with the Muslim ruler of Damascus. This treaty gave Christians control of important cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth. It was the most successful crusade in terms of gaining land since the First Crusade.
Theobald returned from his journey in 1240. He brought back some interesting souvenirs, including a type of rose called "Provins" (the Apothecary's Rose), a piece of wood believed to be from the true cross, and possibly the Chardonnay grape, which is used to make champagne today.
Final Years and Legacy
For the rest of his life, Theobald traveled between his two lands, Navarre and Champagne. He had a major disagreement with the bishop of Pamplona. The bishop even tried to excommunicate him, which meant to officially kick him out of the Catholic Church. This was a very serious punishment at the time. However, Theobald had the support of Pope Innocent IV, who said only the Pope himself could excommunicate a king.
Theobald died in Pamplona in 1253 and was buried in the Pamplona Cathedral. His sons, Theobald II and later Henry I, became kings after him.
Family Life
Theobald was married three times.
His first wife was Gertrude of Dagsburg. They married in 1220 and divorced two years later. They did not have any children.
His second wife was Agnes of Beaujeu, whom he married in 1222. They had one daughter:
- Blanche of Navarre, Duchess of Brittany
His third wife was Margaret of Bourbon. They had six children:
- Eleanor (born 1233, died young)
- Peter (died young)
- Margaret, who married Frederick III, Duke of Lorraine
- Theobald II of Navarre, who became the next king
- Beatrix, who married Hugh IV, Duke of Burgundy
- Henry I of Navarre, who became king after his brother Theobald II
Theobald also had at least two daughters born outside of his marriages.
See also
In Spanish: Teobaldo I de Navarra para niños
