Robert II the Pious of France 1 2
- Born: 27 Mar 972, Orléans, France
- Marriage (1): Rozela of Italy in 989
- Marriage (2): Bertha of Burgundy in 996
- Marriage (3): Constance of Arles in 1003
- Died: 20 Jul 1031 aged 59
- Buried: Saint Denis Basilica, near Paris, France 3
Another name for Robert was Robert le Pieux.
General Notes:
King of France who took Burgundy into the French realm.
The son of Hugh Capet, founder of the Capetian dynasty, and Adelaide of Aquitaine, Robert was educated at the episcopal school of Reims under Gerbert of Aurillac, later Pope Sylvester II. Soon after his own coronation (July 987), Hugh prudently arranged the election and coronation (December 987) of Robert, thus facilitating his son's eventual succession (October 996) as sole ruler. His excommunication as a result of his marriage within the prohibited degrees of relationship was eventually lifted after the repudiation of the childless Bertha in 1001. Constance of Arles, whom the King married two years later, was the mother of his successor, Henry I.
Robert's domain was not extensive; and, to increase his power, he vigorously and tenaciously pressed his claim to fiefs as they became vacant. Thus, when the duke of Burgundy died without an heir (1002), Robert went to war against a rival claimant. Only in 1015, however, did he finally succeed in subduing the rich duchy. (The gain was transitory, for in 1032 Henry I granted Burgundy to his brother, Robert, and it thereafter remained for centuries outside royal control.)
A patron of the Cluniac monastic movement, Robert apparently ruled firmly and judiciously in his own lands.
Robert was married
1. in 989 with Rozela (Susanna), daughter of king Berengar II of Italy, divorced in 992,
2. in 997 with Berta, daughter of king Conrad of Burgundy. He was her cousin and they were divorced ca. 1000 pope Gregor V demanded it.
Research Notes:
His year of birth is also recorded as 970.
Noted events in his life were:
• Acceded: King of France, Oct 996.
Robert married Rozela of Italy, daughter of Berengar II of Italy and Willa of Arles, in 989. (Rozela of Italy was born between 950 and 960 and died on 25 Jan 1003 4.)
Marriage Notes:
Susanne (Rosala) was much older than Robert, and the marriage was arranged by his father. Robert divorced her. 3
Robert next married Bertha of Burgundy, daughter of Konrad III the Peaceful of Burgundy and Mathilde of the West Franks, in 996. The marriage ended in divorce in 998. (Bertha of Burgundy was born circa 962 and died after 1035.)
Marriage Notes:
Because Bertha was Robert's cousin, Pope Gregory V would not sanction the marriage and Robert was excommunicated. However, after long negotiations with the new Pope Silvester II the marriage was annulled. 3
Robert next married Constance of Arles, daughter of Guillaume II of Provence and Alix of Anjou, in 1003. (Constance of Arles was born circa 988, died on 25 Jul 1032 and was buried in Saint Denis Basilica, near Paris, France.)
Marriage Notes:
Constance and Robert had seven children:
- Advisa, Countess of Auxerre, (c.1003-after 1063), married Count Renaud I of Nevers;
- Hugh Magnus, co-king (1007 - September 17, 1025);
- Henri (May 4, 1008-August 4, 1060);
- Adela, Countess of Contenance (1009-June 5, 1063), married (1) Duke Richard III of Normandy (2) Count Baldwin V of Flanders;
- Robert I, Duke of Burgundy (1011-March 21, 1076);
- Eudes (1013-1056);
- Constance (1014-unknown), married Manasses de Dammartin. 3
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