Jeanne Constantinople The eldest of the two daughters of the Latin Emperor Baldwin I and Mary of Champagne, she ruled the counties of Flanders and Hainaut for 39 years. Date of Birth: 01.01.1200

1. Early Life and Guardianship
2. Marriage to Ferdinand of Portugal
3. Battle of Bouvines and Jeanne's Rule
4. Later Reign
5. Death and Legacy

Early Life and Guardianship

Jeanne was the eldest of two daughters born to Baldwin I, the Latin Emperor of Constantinople, and Marie of Champagne. Her father left for the Fourth Crusade when she was a child, and after his death in 1206, her guardianship was entrusted to her uncle, Philip of Namur. However, Philip betrothed himself to the daughter of King Philip Augustus of France and transferred guardianship of the girls to his father-in-law. Philip Augustus intended to regain Baldwin's former dowry from Jeanne, but he sold the guardianship of the Flemish heiresses to Enguerrand de Coucy, who hoped to marry one of them.

Marriage to Ferdinand of Portugal

After a period of political intrigue, Jeanne was offered in marriage to Ferdinand, the son of King Sancho I of Portugal. They were married in Paris in 1212, but could not return to Flanders until they renounced their claim to Artois in favor of the future Louis VIII of France. To regain Artois, the newlyweds allied themselves with King John of England and Emperor Otto IV.

Battle of Bouvines and Jeanne's Rule

In the Battle of Bouvines (1214), the Anglo-Flemish-German coalition was defeated, and Ferdinand was taken prisoner by the French for 12 years. During this time, Jeanne ruled alone, quarreling with her sister over the succession. In 1225, an impostor claiming to be her father appeared in Flanders, leading a peasant uprising that was suppressed with French help.

Later Reign

After Ferdinand's release, Jeanne continued to rule with him for several more years. She became known for her piety and her support of religious foundations. She also commissioned the construction of several churches and monasteries, including the Abbey of Maubuisson.

Death and Legacy

Jeanne died in 1244, having ruled Flanders and Hainaut for 39 years. She was succeeded by her son, Thomas II. Jeanne is remembered as a capable and determined ruler who navigated a complex political landscape with skill and resilience. She left a lasting mark on the counties of Flanders and Hainaut, and her architectural patronage continues to be admired to this day.