Baldwin I of Constantinople (Successful Baldwin)

Emperor Baldwin of House Hainut (1172-1204-1226) was born on 6 July 1172 in the county of Flanders to Baldwin V, Count of Hainaut and Margaret I, suo jure Countess of Flanders.

Early life
Although there are few reports of his early life, it is known he grew up in Flanders under the education of a bishop and close friend of his father's, Armand du Earcluc. He would later become courtier and good friend of Philip Augustus. In c.1180, he was betrothed to Marie of Champagne, daughter of Henry I, Count of Champagne. They would not meet for the first time until 1184. They were officially wed in 1186, at Henry's traditional manor in Flanders. Several nobles were in attendance, along with Philip II Augustus. His marshal skill ensured attendance in the Third Crusade - however issues in the homeland forced Philip to reconsider the crusade, and eventually he had his army return to France. Baldwin did not return and instead fought as a commander under Richard I the Lionheart, which would earn him the animosity of Philip. He was involved in several major battles, which heard him a stark reputation of an ironclad leader. When the Third Crusade ended in 1192, Baldwin returned to France. Baldwin's standing with Richard continued to disintegrate as the conflict between Richard and Philip became more uneasy. Baldwin resigned from Philip's court to return to his own - however Philip saw this as the ultimate betrayal and called for Baldwin's arrest on 11 May 1193. However, the two friends reconciled later that year.

Becoming Count
On 17 December 1195, Baldwin became Baldwin VI, Count of Hainaut and Baldwin IX, Count of Flanders on the death of his father. Although Philip II Augustus requested Baldwin to commandeer an army to besiege Castle Verneuil, Baldwin was apprehensive against fighting the English and Richard, whom he had bonded with during the Crusade. In a letter to Philip, he faked illness but agreed to send his knights. In 1196, however, tensions ensued when a letter was intercepted by Philip. It was from Richard himself to Baldwin - Richard was asking Baldwin to support him against Philip. Philip seriously considered imprisoning Baldwin, but his spymaster convinced him not to do so. Instead of this, Philip forced Baldwin to join his royal court and fight in his name. He would serve in the army as a top-ranking military officer until 1202.

Crusades
In October 1202, with the consent of Philip II Augustus, Baldwin heeded Pope Innocent III's call for the fourth crusade. He would participate in the siege of Zara and made a name for himself as Baldwin the Ironside after the siege of Constantinople in July 1203. His popularity meant that he was a candidate to be crowned potential Emperor. After the Serene Doge of Venice refused the crown of Constantinople, his ascension seemed to be ensured. He was popularly elected on 9 May 1204 as Emperor Baldwin I of Constantinople.

Emperor of Latium
Although successful in taking control of Constantinople, he had to deal with the immediate issues. The partition of Byzantium on 1 Oct 1204 would mark the initial boundaries of the Empire.

War against Nicaea
War began against the empire of Nicaea in late 1205, after disputes over Constantinople began to arise. Emperor Theodore Laskaris's forces were defeated at Bithnya in early 1206. The Treaty of Bithnya in 1207 ended the war in an uneasy truce - Theodore recognized the Latin Empire and Baldwin's control over Constantinople while Baldwin recognized the Empire of Nicaea as a legitimate sovereign state.

War against Bulgaria
Tsar Kaloyan was called in by the Byzantines in attempt to help fight off the Latins - fighting was disastrous for Baldwin. The Latin forces were defeated at the battle of Thrace (March 1206). However, Tsar Kaloyan's death the next year put Bulgaria into turmoil. Remaining Bulgarian forces were defeated and pushed back by early 1208. In order to ensure peace with the Bulgarian Empire, Baldwin suggested the betrothal of his heir Henry and the daughter of Kaloyan, Maria of Bulgaria. The new Tsar Boril agreed to this arrangement.

Conflicts with Venice
Fearing subjugation by the Bulgars to the north, the Despot of Thessalonika agreed to become the vassal of the Latin Empire. Baldwin attempted to get the Doge of Venice agree to vassalage, but the Doge promptly refused in 1210, souring relations. In response to this, Baldwin captured Espirus (Dec 1210) with relative ease. Further victories against the Venicians in 1211 gave Baldwin hope that Serene Doge Pietro would concede defeat. However, the Pope threatened Baldwin with excommunication in August 1211. Eventually Baldwin agreed and his army resigned from the holding in November. Baldwin began very apprehensive of the Pope afterwards - this eventually lead to the end of Papal investiture beginning in 1212. Still interested in weakening the Venicians, he declared 'De Jure War over Crete' in November 1213. In 1214, the Pope threatened Baldwin with excommunication once again, but this time, Baldwin ignored him. By 1216, the Serene Doge conceded defeat. Crete was handed over to Baldwin in the 1st Treaty at Constantinople (11 Nov 1216).

Conflicts with Philip Augustus
Since the beginning of his reign, Baldwin was not interested with his holdings in the lowlands. While Baldwin considered himself as an independent entity, Philip considered Baldwin a vassal of France. Tensions between the former friends remained high and finally reached a peak in 1213 when Baldwin refused to pay homage. Philip considered this to be his 'casus belli' to invade Flanders and Hainaut. The Pope consented to Philip's revocation of Flanders and Hainaut. Baldwin ignored Philip for a few years as he was fighting Venice. On 16 Jan 1217, Baldwin set sail for France. The armies of Latium and France met on 2 March 1217. The fighting was stagnant - Philip began to lose interest in restoring French presence in Flanders and Hainaut as the War of the Succession of Champagne began. The Treaty of Flanders was signed on 5 June 1220; Flanders and Hainaut would stay in the domain of France and would be granted to Baldwin's eldest daughter. In exchange for this, Philip recognized Baldwin as Emperor of the Latin Empire and formal successor to Rome. The treaty also provided a foundation for a Franco-Latin Alliance. This was cemented with the ascension of Baldwin's nephew Louis VIII to the throne in 1223. Baldwin was among several nobles to be present for the young king's coronation.

Death
Baldwin fell seriously ill in the summer of 1226 - he asked to be given the last rites by Pope Honorius III in the case the illness resulted in death.The Pope agreed to this. Baldwin died 14 July 1226, possibly from pneumonia. He was succeeded by his son Henry.

Issue

 * By Marie of Champagne
 * Baldwin (1189-1190) - Died in infancy
 * Marie (1192) - Died in infancy
 * Joan of Flanders (1194-1244) - Died unmarried and childless
 * Margaret II of Flanders (2 June 1202-1280) - Had issue
 * Henry of Constantinople (1204-1226-1261) - Had issue
 * Phillipa (1204-1205) - Died in infancy
 * By Agnes
 * John (1210-1253) - Illegitamate
 * By Unknown
 * Isabella of Hainaut (1215-1278) - Legitimatized in 1226 as part of Baldwin's will. Had issue.