Yolanda, Latin Empress facts for kids

Yolanda (French: Yolande de Hainault; 1175 – August 1219), also known as Yolanda of Flanders, was an important ruler in the Latin Empire of Constantinople. She first became Empress as the wife of Emperor Peter from 1216 to 1217. After Peter was captured, she became the ruler, or regent, of the Empire until she died in 1219. She was also the ruling Marchioness of Namur from 1212 to 1217.

Yolanda's Early Life and Rise to Power

Yolanda was born in 1175. Her parents were Baldwin V, Count of Hainault, and Countess Margaret I of Flanders. She had two brothers, Baldwin I and Henry, who both became emperors in Constantinople before her.

In 1212, Yolanda became the Marchioness of Namur. She inherited this title from her brother, Marquis Philip I. This meant she was the ruler of the area called Namur.

In 1216, her brother Emperor Henry died. For a short time, there was no emperor. Then, Yolanda's husband, Peter, was chosen to be the next emperor. As they traveled to Constantinople, Peter sent Yolanda ahead. He stayed behind to fight a group called the Despotate of Epirus. During this fight, Peter was captured. No one knew what happened to him, but he was likely killed. Because of this, Yolanda took charge and ruled Constantinople by herself for two years.

Yolanda as Empress and Regent

As ruler, Yolanda made important alliances. She worked with the Bulgarians against other groups that wanted control of the old Byzantine lands. She also managed to make peace with Theodore I Lascaris of the Empire of Nicaea. To seal this peace, her daughter, Marie, married Theodore. Yolanda died shortly after this, in August 1219.

What Happened After Yolanda's Reign?

After Yolanda's death, her second son, Robert of Courtenay, became the new emperor. Her oldest son, Philip, did not want the throne. Robert was still in France when he became emperor.

Yolanda was also the Marchioness of Namur in her own right. She inherited this title from her brother, Marquis Philip I, in 1212. When she left for Constantinople in 1216, she passed the title to her eldest son, Marquis Philip II.

Yolanda's Children

Yolanda and Peter of Courtenay had 10 children:

• Philip (died 1226), who was the Marquis of Namur. He chose not to become the Latin Emperor.
• Robert of Courtenay (died 1228), who became the Latin Emperor.
• Henry (died 1229), who was also the Marquis of Namur.
• Baldwin II of Constantinople (died 1273).
• Margaret, Marchioness of Namur. She married Raoul d'Issoudun first, and then Henry, a count from Vianden.
• Elizabeth. She married Walter (Gaucher), count of Bar, and then Eudes, sire of Montagu.
• Yolanda de Courtenay. She married Andrew II of Hungary.
• Eleanor. She married Philip of Montfort, Lord of Tyre.
• Marie de Courtenay. She married Theodore I Lascaris of the Empire of Nicaea.
• Agnes. She married Geoffrey II Villehardouin, Prince of Achaea.

See also

In Spanish: Yolanda de Flandes para niños