Alan II
- Duke Alan II of Brittany
- Early Life and Exile
- Return to Brittany and Norman Defeat
- Battle of Trans and Breton Independence
- Feudal Relationships and Challenges
- Alliances and External Conflicts
- Marriage and Legacy
- Family
- - Drogon (c. 937 - 958)
- - Guerech (died 988)
Duke Alan II of Brittany
Alan II, Count of Nantes, Vannes, and Porhoët, also known as Alan II, Duke of Brittany, was a prominent figure in the history of the Duchy of Brittany. He was the son of Mathuedoi, Count of Porhoët, and a daughter of Alan I the Great, Duke of Brittany.
Early Life and Exile
Alan II spent his youth in exile at the court of King Athelstan of England, his godfather. His father had taken him there to escape the Normans, who ravaged Brittany from 919 to 937.
Return to Brittany and Norman Defeat
In 936, at the urging of the Abbot of the Abbey of Landevennec, Alan II returned to Brittany, landing at Dol. Taking advantage of divisions among the Normans, he expelled them from Brittany within two years, aided by an English army and Breton rebels. By 938, he had captured Nantes and Vannes and assumed the title of Duke of Brittany.
Battle of Trans and Breton Independence
Alan's decisive victory over the Normans came at the Battle of Trans on August 1, 939, fought in alliance with Judicael Berenger, Count of Rennes, and Hugh I, Count of Maine. This battle marked the end of Norman rule in Brittany and is celebrated as a national holiday.
Feudal Relationships and Challenges
Duke Alan II later pledged allegiance to King Louis IV of West Francia, whom he had met in England. He became prominent among the French nobility. However, his efforts to rebuild Brittany were hampered by limited resources and the reduced size of the Duchy compared to its former extent under King Salomon. Alan had to cede Cotentin, Avranches, and western Maine.
Alliances and External Conflicts
In 942, Alan II entered into an agreement with William III Longsword, Count of Poitiers, gaining possession of lands south of the Loire. In 944, he fought against his former ally, Count Berenger of Rennes. A Norman raid during this conflict forced the warring parties to reconcile.
Marriage and Legacy
In 948, to strengthen his position, Alan II married the daughter of Theobald the Old, the powerful Count of Tours. However, he died in 952, unable to fulfill all his ambitions. His eldest son, Drogo, succeeded him as Duke of Brittany.
Family
Alan II was married twice:1. Roscilla (died before 948), daughter of Fulk I, Count of Anjou. Children:
- Drogon (c. 937 - 958)
- Hoel I (c. 938 - 981)2. Unknown daughter of Theobald the Old, Count of Tours (married 948). Children:
- Guerech (died 988)
- Almodis (died after 1016)Alan II also had several illegitimate children.
