My family tree through the ages
In 1136, amidst religious and political tensions in Antioch, Bishop Ralph used his influence and deceptive tactics to marry young Princess Constance to Raymond of Poitiers, securing political alliances and reinforcing Latin church dominance over Byzantine objections.
Philippa was a countess in her own right when she married William IX, Duke of Aquitaine. She married him because she wanted help getting Toulouse back from her cousin who should not have inherited it.
She is my 23rd great-grandmother.
While records are sparse, we know Hildegarde of Burgundy married her cousin William VIII, Duke of Aquitaine.
We know little of Ranulf II except that he was a Duke of Aquitaine.
William III, known as Tête d’étoupe (‘tow head’) because of his fair hair, successfully fought French nobles who wanted to conquer Aquitaine.
William IV, known as Fier-a-bras or ‘proud arm’ who waged many wars across France. He was the Duke of Acquitaine from 963 until he retired to a monastery in 990.
William V, known as the Great, was a Duke of Aquitaine. He memorably refused the crown of a united Italy after realising the political situation on the peninsula was a mess.
Raymond of Poitiers was a Prince of Antioch during the first Crusade. He gained control by working with the bishop to con his future mother-in-law.