Geoffrey I of Villehardouin
Prince of Achaea
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Geoffrey I of Villehardouin (French: Geoffroi Ier de Villehardouin) (c. 1169 – c. 1229) was a French knight from the County of Champagne who joined the Fourth Crusade.[1][2][3][4] He participated in the conquest of the Peloponnese and became the second prince of Achaea (1209/1210–c. 1229).[2]
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| Geoffrey I Geoffroi Ier | |
|---|---|
| Prince of Achaea | |
Seal of Geoffrey I | |
| Reign | 1209/1210–c. 1229 |
| Predecessor | William I |
| Successor | Geoffrey II |
| Born | c. 1169 Unknown |
| Died | c. 1229 Unknown |
| Burial | Church of St James, Andravida |
| Spouse | Elisabeth (of Chappes?) |
| Issue | Geoffrey II, Alix, William II |
| Dynasty | Villehardouin |
| Father | John of Villehardouin |
| Mother | Céline of Briel |
Under his reign, the Principality of Achaea became the direct vassal of the Latin Empire of Constantinople.[5] He extended the borders of his principality.[6]
Early years and the Fourth Crusade
Conquest of the Peloponnese
Reign in Achaea
In 1208 William I of Achaea sought to claim an inheritance his brother had left to him.[5][11] However, both the first prince of Achaea and his nephew died.[12]
The Chronicle of the Morea narrates that Geoffrey only became prince of Achaea some time later.[13]
Next the papal legate Cardinal Giovanni Colonna in 1218 excommunicated Geoffrey I.[14] Upon the request of the local high clergy, it was confirmed during 1219.[15]
Geoffrey died sometime between 1228 and 1230.[4] He was buried in the Church of St James in Andravida.