Bertrand (Toulouse)

Count Bertrand in front of Tripoli. (Painting by Charles Alexandre Debacq, 19th century)

Bertrand of Toulouse (* around 1065; † April 21, 1112 in Tripoli) from the Raimundiner dynasty was Count of Toulouse and Margrave of Provence from 1105 to 1108 and since 1109 Count of Tripoli . He was the eldest son of Raymond IV of Toulouse and his first wife.

The legality of his parents' marriage was controversial because of their close relationship, which is why Bertrand was not recognized as legitimate. Nevertheless, he took over the reign in Toulouse and Provence in 1095 when his father set off on the First Crusade . After his death in the Holy Land in 1105, Bertrand succeeded him. During this time he quarreled with the Abbey of Saint-Gilles , which he pillaged and was excommunicated for. In 1108 his vassals called his half-brother, who was legitimately born in Lebanon, Alfons Jordan , home, who was immediately recognized as a legitimate count.

Bertrand went to Outremer , where he was to rule the land conquered by his father, which he reached in March 1109 in Tortosa . There he came into conflict with his father's trustee , Wilhelm Jordan von Cerdange , over the rule. Bertrand allied himself with King Baldwin I of Jerusalem and Joscelin of Courtenay , while Wilhelm Jordan received support from Prince Tankred of Tiberias . In June 1109 a peaceful agreement was reached on a power-sharing and on July 12, 1109, Bertrand was able to conquer Tripoli with the help of King Baldwin I and a Genoese fleet , which now became the capital of his territory. He enfeoffed the Genoese admiral with the rule of Gibelet out of gratitude . Shortly afterwards, Wilhelm Jordan von Cerdange was fatally hit by an arrow, whereupon Bertrand was able to take over his land. He ruled the reunited county of Tripoli until his death in 1112.

Bertrand was married to Helie of Burgundy, a daughter of Duke Odos I of Burgundy . Your children were:

• Pons (around 1098–1137), Bertrand's successor in Tripoli
• Agnes (around 1100 / 10– around 1183), married to Reinald Mansoer , Herr von Margat

Web links

• Bertrand de Toulouse at fmg.ac

predecessor	Office	successor
Raymond IV. (III.)	Count of Toulouse 1105-1108	Alfons Jordan
Raymond IV. (III.)	Margrave of Provence 1105–1108	Alfons Jordan
Alfons Jordan	Count of Tripoli 1109–1112	Pons