- 962-988: Count of Flanders
- AKA: Arnulf the Younger
- (DT) Arnulf II Graaf van Vlaanderen[1]
- (FR) Arnoul II, Comte de Flandre[2]
- (EN) Earnwulf II, Eorl of Flandrum[3]
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Arnulf II of Flanders, Count of Flanders, was born 960 to Baldwin III of Flanders (940-962) and Mathilde Billung (c940-1008) and died 30 March 988 of unspecified causes. He married Rozela di Ivrea (955-c1003) .
Biography
Arnulf II, also known as Arnulf the Younger, was a prominent figure in medieval Europe who ruled as Count of Flanders from 965 until his death in 988. He was a member of the House of Flanders, one of the most powerful noble families of the time, and he played a key role in the political and military affairs of his era.
Arnulf II was born in 960, the son of Count Baldwin III of Flanders and Mathilda of Saxony. He was educated at the court of his uncle, Emperor Otto I, and he received a thorough education in the arts of war and diplomacy. In 965, he succeeded his father as Count of Flanders, and he immediately set about consolidating his power and expanding his territories.
Arnulf II was a skilled military commander, and he led his armies on numerous successful campaigns against the neighboring counties of Hainaut and Brabant. He also fought in several wars against the Holy Roman Empire, and he earned a reputation as a fierce and effective warrior.
In addition to his military prowess, Arnulf II was also a skilled diplomat and statesman. He maintained close relations with the powerful Ottonian dynasty of Germany, and he played a key role in negotiating treaties and alliances between Flanders and the Holy Roman Empire. He also forged strong ties with the Church, and he was a patron of several important religious institutions in Flanders.
Arnulf II of Flanders likely spoke Old Dutch or Old Flemish as his native language. During his time, the region of Flanders (located in what is now modern-day Belgium and parts of France and the Netherlands) was predominantly Dutch-speaking, with a distinct local dialect. French was also widely spoken in the region due to its political and cultural ties with France. However, it is likely that Baldwin and his contemporaries would have primarily spoken Dutch/Flemish in their daily lives.
Overall, Arnulf II was a major figure in medieval Europe, and his reign as Count of Flanders was marked by military successes, diplomatic achievements, and cultural achievements. His legacy continued through his son Baldwin IV, who would go on to become one of the most influential rulers of medieval Europe.
Family Life
Arnulf II was married to Rozela di Ivrea (955-c1003) (Rozala of Italy), daughter of Berengar II of Italy,[4]. Their marriage was politically advantageous, as it helped to cement Arnulf's position as one of the most powerful nobles in Europe. They had one son, Baldwin IV of Flanders (980-1036), who succeeded Arnulf II as Count of Flanders upon his death in 987. daughter of Berengar II of Italy,[4] and had two children:
- Baldwin IV of Flanders (980-1036) - Successor Count of Flanders.
- Mathilda of Flanders (?-995)
Some sources attribute a second son, Eudes de Cambria, to Arnulf II, Count of Flanders, but is probably a later fabrication.[5]
Children
| Name | Birth | Death | Joined with |
| Baldwin IV of Flanders (980-1036) | 980 | 30 May 1036 | Ogive von Luxemburg (c990-1036) Eleanor of Normandy (c1012-aft1071) |
| Mathilda of Flanders (?-995) | 995 | ||
Siblings
| Name | Birth | Death | Joined with |
| Arnulf II of Flanders (c960-988) | 960 | 30 March 988 | Rozela di Ivrea (955-c1003) |
| Adalolf of Flanders (c962-) | |||
See Also
Bibliography
- Oksanen, Eljas (2012). Flanders and the Anglo-Norman World, 1066-1216. Cambridge University Press.
- Nicholas, David (1992). Medieval Flanders. Longman.
External Links
- wikipedia:en:Arnulf II, Count of Flanders
- Arnulf II, Count of Flanders at thePeerage
- Arnulf II, Count of Flanders - Geni.com
- Arnulf II, Count of Flanders at Find A Grave
- Counts of Flanders & Hainaut - Foundation for Medieval Genealogy
Ancestry Trees
- Rollo Family Ancestry
- Alfred the Great Family Ancestry
- Count of Flanders
Contemporary Resources
There are several contemporary resources that provide valuable information on the life of Arnulf II, Count of Flanders:
- "The Annals of Flodoard" - Flodoard was a chronicler who lived in the late 10th and early 11th centuries, and his Annals provide a detailed account of the political and military events in France and Flanders during Arnulf II's reign.
- "The Chronicle of Richer of Reims" - Richer of Reims was a chronicler who lived in the late 10th and early 11th centuries, and his Chronicle provides a valuable source of information on the political and cultural developments of the time.
- "The Life of Saint Arnulf" - This hagiography was written in the 11th century and provides a detailed account of the life and accomplishments of Arnulf II, as well as his religious beliefs and practices.
- "The Deeds of Count Baldwin" - This text, written in the late 10th century, provides a valuable source of information on the military campaigns and diplomatic efforts of both Arnulf II and his son Baldwin IV.
- "The Diplomas of Arnulf" - These official documents, issued by Arnulf II during his reign, provide important information on the political and legal structures of Flanders at the time.
Royal Succession Charts
Arnulf II of Flanders (c960-988) House of Flanders Born: 960 or 961 Died: 30 March 987
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| Preceded by Arnulf I |
 Count of Flanders965–987 with Baldwin Balso |
Succeeded by Baldwin IV |
Original Citations
Galbert of Bruges
Source: Galbert of Bruges, "The Murder of Charles the Good," c. 1127
(Latin)"Arnulfus, Dei gratia Flandrensis comes, fuit vir magnae fortitudinis, omnibus hostibus timendus, popularibus suis diligenter amandus et divinitus religiosus, pauperibus fidelis amicus, subditis suis constans protector et terrarum suarum sapiens gubernator. Iste Richardi, illustris Normanniae ducis, filiam duxit in uxorem, ex qua filios duos, Balduinum et Adalulfum, suscepit, qui patris sui fuerunt in deliciis ac gaudio."
"Arnulf, by God's grace, Count of the Flemings, was a man of great courage, feared by all his enemies, beloved by his own people, and devoutly pious. He was a faithful friend to the poor, a steadfast protector of his subjects, and a wise ruler of his lands. He married the daughter of the illustrious Duke Richard of Normandy, and by her had two sons, Baldwin and Adalulf, who were the pride and joy of his heart."
Note: Our records show that Eleanor of Normandy (c1012-aft1071), daughter of Richard II, Duke of Normandy (963-1027) was married to Baldwin IV of Flanders (980-1036).
References
- ^ Old Dutch spelling
- ^ Old French spelling
- ^ Old English Spelling
- ^ a b Nicholas 1992, p. 44.
- ^ Arnulf II at the Baldwin Project
Footnotes (including sources)
AMK152, Rtol, Phlox, Thurstan, MainTour, Robin Patterson
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