On This Day

Baldwin IX, Count of Flanders, is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin Empire of Constantinople

Baldwin I (Dutch: Boudewijn; French: Baudouin; July 1172 – c. 1205) was the first Emperor of the Latin Empire of Constantinople; Count of Flanders (as Baldwin IX) from 1194 to 1205 and Count of...

Baldwin I (Dutch: Boudewijn; French: Baudouin; July 1172 – c. 1205) was the first Emperor of the Latin Empire of Constantinople; Count of Flanders (as Baldwin IX) from 1194 to 1205 and Count of Hainaut (as Baldwin VI) from 1195 to 1205. Baldwin was one of the most prominent leaders of the Fourth Crusade, which resulted in the sack of Constantinople in 1204, the conquest of the Byzantine Empire, and the foundation of the Latin Empire. The following year he was defeated at the Battle of Adrianople by Kaloyan, the emperor of Bulgaria, and spent his last days as a prisoner.

Historical Significance

Baldwin I (Dutch: Boudewijn; French: Baudouin; July 1172 – c.

Events Before

  1. Louis of France (Later Louis VIII) (13) marries Blanche of Castile (12), daughter of Alfonso VIII King of Castile at Por

    Louis of France (Later Louis VIII) (13) marries Blanche of Castile (12), daughter of Alfonso VIII King of Castile at Port-Mort

  2. King John of England (32) marries Isabella of Angoulême (12) in Bordeaux, despite her engagement to Hugh de Lusignan, Co

    King John of England (32) marries Isabella of Angoulême (12) in Bordeaux, despite her engagement to Hugh de Lusignan, Count of La Marche, prompting a rebellion

  3. The city of Riga is founded

    Albert of Riga or Albert of Livonia (1165 – 17 January 1229) was the third Catholic Bishop of Riga in Livonia.

  4. Siege of Constantinople begins during the Fourth Crusade, as Roman Catholic Crusaders, aboard a Venetian fleet, attack t

    Siege of Constantinople begins during the Fourth Crusade, as Roman Catholic Crusaders, aboard a Venetian fleet, attack the city

  5. Alexius IV Angelus is appointed co-regent of Byzantium

    Alexius IV Angelus is appointed co-regent of Byzantium

Events After

  1. Philip of Swabia becomes King of the Romans

    Philip of Swabia becomes King of the Romans

  2. Battle of Adrianople: Bulgarians and Cumans under Tsar Kaloyan of Bulgaria ambush and defeat the Latin Emperor of Consta

    Battle of Adrianople: Bulgarians and Cumans under Tsar Kaloyan of Bulgaria ambush and defeat the Latin Emperor of Constantinople, Baldwin I

  3. Pope Innocent III fires Adolf I as archbishop of Cologne

    Pope Innocent III fires Adolf I as archbishop of Cologne

  4. Pope Innocent III states that Jews are doomed to perpetual servitude and subjugation due to the crucifixion of Jesus

    Pope Innocent III states that Jews are doomed to perpetual servitude and subjugation due to the crucifixion of Jesus

  5. Chinese southern Song dynasty officially declares war on the northern Jin dynasty

    Chinese southern Song dynasty officially declares war on the northern Jin dynasty

More from the 1200s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on May 16, 1204?
Baldwin I (Dutch: Boudewijn; French: Baudouin; July 1172 – c. 1205) was the first Emperor of the Latin Empire of Constantinople; Count of Flanders (as Baldwin IX) from 1194 to 1205 and Count of Hainaut (as Baldwin VI) from 1195 to 1205. Baldwin was one of the most prominent leaders of the Fourth Crusade, which resulted in the sack of Constantinople in 1204, the conquest of the Byzantine Empire, and the foundation of the Latin Empire.
Why is Baldwin IX, Count of Flanders, is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin E... significant?
Baldwin I (Dutch: Boudewijn; French: Baudouin; July 1172 – c.

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