William II, Count of Burgundy facts for kids

William II of Burgundy, also known as "the German," was a French nobleman who lived a long time ago, from about 1085 to 1125. He was an important figure in a region called Burgundy.

Early Life and Family

William was the only son of Reginald II, who was the Count of Burgundy. His uncle was Pope Calixtus II, a very important religious leader. William's mother was Countess Régine of Oltingen, whose father was Conon, the Count of Oltingen in a place called Bale, which is now part of Switzerland and Germany.

Becoming a Count

In 1095, when William was still young, his father Reginald died during a big journey known as the First Crusade. Reginald was 41 years old. After his father's death, William became a count. He shared the title of Count of Burgundy and Count of Mâcon with his uncle, Stephen I. Being a count meant he was a powerful ruler in his region.

Later Life and Legacy

William II married a woman named Agnes, who was the daughter of Berthold II of Zahringen. They had a son named William III. Sadly, William II died in 1125. His son, William III, also died young in 1127. After William III's death, Stephen I's son, Renaud III, became the new count.