Robert II, Count of Flanders

Robert II, called Jerusalem (Latin: Robertus Hierosolimitanus; * to 1065, † October 5, 1111 at Meaux ), was Count of Flanders from the House Flanders. He was the eldest son of Count Robert I of Friesen and Gertrude Billung, a daughter of Duke Bernhard II of Saxony.

Life

Robert took over in the years 1086 to 1090 the regency in Flanders, while his father committed a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. After the death of his father in 1093 he was able to follow uncontested by his cousin from Hainaut in the County of Flanders. He participated in the first crusade, in which he distinguished himself particularly at the Battle of Eskisehir, the siege of Antioch, the siege of Jerusalem and the final battle of Ascalon. Because of this participation, he was known as Robert of Jerusalem, or Robert the Crusaders. No later than spring 1100 he was again in Flanders.

On March 10, 1101 Robert graduated in Dover an alliance pact with King Henry I of England, by asking him 1000 Knight for an annual payment of 500 silver marks available. He deepened the alliance of Flanders with England, which was begun by his father. On May 17, 1110, the alliance was again confirmed to be in Dover, by Robert sold 500 more knights for 400 silver marks to the Anglo-Norman king. His alliance with Henry I of England prevented Robert no doubt also a party for its arch-rival and his liege lord, King Louis VI. to be taken by France. He supported him in 1111 in the fight against the rebellious Count Theobald IV of Blois and was fatally wounded in a skirmish at Meaux. He was buried in the abbey of Saint -Vaast in Arras.

Robert was since about 1092 married to Clementia ( † around 1133), a daughter of Count William I of Burgundy. Their son was Count Baldwin VII of Flanders († 1119 )