Charles II, Duke of Lorraine (b. 1364)

Charles II of Lorraine: The Bold Duke and Constable of France

Known to history as Charles II "the Bold" (French: le Hardi), Charles II of Lorraine, born on 11 September 1365, was a prominent figure in late medieval European politics and warfare. He governed the strategically vital Duchy of Lorraine as its Duke from 1390 until his passing on 25 January 1431. His illustrious career also saw him serve as the Constable of France, the supreme commander of the French royal army, from 1418 to 1425, a testament to his military acumen and political influence during the tumultuous Hundred Years' War.

A Life of Crusades and Chivalry

Charles II's early life and reign were marked by a strong commitment to the chivalric ideals of his era, leading him to participate in several significant military campaigns beyond his ducal borders:

• The Barbary Crusade (1390): Charles joined this ambitious joint French-Genoese expedition, also known as the Crusade of Mahdia, aimed at curbing piracy originating from the Hafsid port of Mahdia in modern-day Tunisia. This venture, though ultimately inconclusive in its primary objective, underscored his willingness to engage in international Christian efforts.
• The Battle of Nicopolis (1396): He bravely fought in this catastrophic encounter against the Ottoman forces led by Sultan Bayezid I. This pivotal battle, a crushing defeat for the combined European Crusader army, was one of the last large-scale medieval crusades and profoundly impacted the course of European-Ottoman relations. Despite the overwhelming defeat, Charles survived this harrowing experience.
• Aid to the Teutonic Knights in Livonia: Demonstrating his commitment to the broader Christian cause and perhaps seeking military experience, Charles also lent his support to the Teutonic Knights in Livonia (a region encompassing parts of modern-day Estonia and Latvia). This involvement was part of the ongoing Northern Crusades, where the monastic military order sought to solidify Christian control and expand their influence in the Baltic region.

Lorraine, France, and the Hundred Years' War

During the protracted and devastating Hundred Years' War, Charles II strategically sought closer alliances with the French royal family. This alignment was crucial for Lorraine, a duchy situated at a critical crossroads between the French kingdom and the Holy Roman Empire, requiring delicate political navigation.

His loyalty and military capabilities were recognized at the highest level, leading to his appointment as Constable of France in 1418 by Queen Isabeau of Bavaria (often referred to as Queen Isabella in English texts), the wife of the mentally incapacitated King Charles VI. This appointment occurred during a particularly volatile period, marked by the escalating Armagnac-Burgundian civil war and the eventual signing of the Treaty of Troyes (1420), which disinherited the Dauphin and offered the French throne to the English king. As Constable, Charles II held immense power, overseeing the kingdom's military forces, a role he fulfilled until 1425.

Dynastic Strife and Final Years

In his later years, Charles II faced significant challenges, particularly a contentious dynastic dispute with his nephew, Antoine de Vaudémont. This conflict arose from Charles's lack of a male heir and his intention for his daughter, Isabella, to succeed him, marrying René of Anjou to secure the succession. Antoine, however, asserted his own claim to the Duchy of Lorraine through his mother, Margaret, Charles's sister. This succession crisis led to an enduring struggle that remained largely unresolved during Charles’s lifetime. Charles II passed away on 25 January 1431, leaving the resolution of this contentious issue to subsequent events, notably the Battle of Bulgnéville later that year, which would decisively shape Lorraine's future.

Frequently Asked Questions about Charles II of Lorraine

Who was Charles II of Lorraine?

Charles II, often called "the Bold," was the Duke of Lorraine from 1390 to 1431 and also served as the Constable of France, the supreme military commander, from 1418 to 1425. He was a significant figure in European politics and warfare during the late medieval period.

What notable military campaigns did Charles II participate in?

He participated in the Barbary Crusade (Crusade of Mahdia) in 1390, fought in the disastrous Battle of Nicopolis against the Ottomans in 1396, and provided military aid to the Teutonic Knights in Livonia as part of the Northern Crusades.

How was Charles II involved in the Hundred Years' War?

He strategically aligned with the French royal family and was appointed Constable of France in 1418 by Queen Isabeau of Bavaria. This role placed him at the heart of French military leadership during a critical phase of the war, including the period surrounding the Treaty of Troyes.

What was the "indecisive war" against his nephew mentioned in historical accounts?

This refers to the dynastic conflict between Charles II and his nephew, Antoine de Vaudémont, over the succession of the Duchy of Lorraine. As Charles had no male heir, he intended his daughter Isabella to inherit, while Antoine claimed the duchy. This dispute was ongoing at the time of Charles's death in 1431 and was resolved later that year at the Battle of Bulgnéville.