Marie de France, also known as Marie of France, Countess of Champagne, married Henry I, Count of Champagne.
Their union was a significant political alliance in the 12th century, strengthening ties between the French monarchy and the powerful House of Blois-Champagne. Marie was a prominent figure in her era, known for her intelligence and patronage of the arts.
Details of the Marriage
Marie was the daughter of King Louis VII of France and his first wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, making her a member of the prestigious House of Capet. Her marriage to Henry I, often referred to as Henry the Liberal, solidified a crucial bond between the French royal family and one of the most influential feudal lords of the time.
Here are some key details regarding Marie of France:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Henry I, Count of Champagne |
| House | Capet |
| Father | Louis VII of France |
Her Royal Lineage and Children
Born into the French royal family, Marie's lineage provided her with significant prestige. Her father, Louis VII, was a powerful monarch, and her mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, later became Queen of England through her second marriage.
Marie and Henry I had several children who went on to hold important titles and positions:
- Henry II, Count of Champagne: He succeeded his father as Count of Champagne and later became King of Jerusalem.
- Marie, Latin Empress: She married Baldwin IX, Count of Flanders and Hainaut, who later became the first Latin Emperor of Constantinople.
- Theobald III, Count of Champagne: He became Count of Champagne after his brother Henry II's death.
- Scholastique, Countess of Mâcon: She married William IV, Count of Mâcon and Vienne.
Their marriage and the subsequent prominence of their children highlight the strategic importance of this alliance in medieval European politics.
