William II, Count of Nevers facts for kids
William II, Count of Nevers, was an important noble who lived a long time ago. He was born before 1089 and ruled as Count from 1098 until his death on August 21, 1148. He is best known for being a leader in the Crusade of 1101, a major religious war of his time.
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Early Life and Family
William II was the son of Renauld II, who was also a Count of Nevers. His mother was Agnes of Beaugency.
He had an older half-sister named Ermengarde of Nevers. She married into the Courtenay family. Ermengarde was the daughter of Renauld II and his first wife, Ida of Lyon and Forez. William also had at least two younger brothers. One was Robert of Nevers, who was a Viscount. Robert joined William on the Crusade of 1101. Another brother, Hugh of Nevers, is mentioned in a document from 1144.
Becoming a Count
William II's father, Renauld II, was a co-ruler with his own father, William I. However, Renauld II passed away on August 5, 1089, before his father. This meant that William I became the only Count of Nevers, and William II was next in line to inherit the title.
On June 20, 1098, William I, his grandfather, died. William II then became the new Count of Nevers. It's important not to confuse him with his uncle, who was also named William of Nevers and was the Count of Tonnere.
Adventures in the Crusades
William II took part in the Crusade of 1101. He started his journey in February 1101 with a large army of about 15,000 men. His army tried to capture Konya, a city controlled by the Seljuks. However, the city was strongly defended, and his army could not take it.
Later, his army faced a terrible defeat in the Battle of Heraclea Cybistra. Most of his soldiers were lost. William II managed to reach Antioch with only a few knights left.
He also supported the Second Crusade later in his life. He attended the Council of Troyes, which began on January 14, 1129. This council was important for planning the Second Crusade.
Political Life and Later Years
William II was involved in the politics of his time. In 1115, he convinced King Louis VI of France to break his peace with King Henry I of England. William II wanted Louis VI to support William Clito, another important figure.
Soon after, William II was captured and imprisoned by Theobald, who was the Count of Blois.
William II is believed to have been buried in Grande Chartreuse. A famous monk named Bernard of Clairvaux was present there.
His Family
William II married a woman named Adelais. We do not know her family name or where she came from. They had at least four children:
- William III, Count of Nevers (born around 1107, died November 21, 1161). He became a Count after his father.
- Renaud of Nevers, who was the Count of Torrene. He died in 1148 while taking part in the Second Crusade.
- Robert of Nevers. He is only mentioned in a document from 1134.
- Anne of Nevers. She married William VIII, who was the Count of Auvergne.
