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William IX of Aquitaine

Type Figure Region Aquitaine Time 1071–1127 Also known as William IX (Aquitaine)、the Troubadour Duke

William IX (1071–1127), Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitou, was one of the earliest troubadours in Western Europe whose works survive, renowned fo…

Timeline

  1. 1087–1100Poitiers · PoitouIn 1087, after the death of his father William VIII, he inherited vast lands, becoming one of the most powerful vassals of the Kingdom of France. He had already begun composing lyric poetry during this period, consolidating ducal authority within his domains while dealing with the Church and neighboring lords.
  2. 1101–1110Aquitaine · AquitaineIn 1101 he took part in the eastern expedition (the Crusade of 1101), returning home after setbacks. Between 1101 and 1110 he handled administration, marital disputes, and relations with vassals in his domains while continuing to compose poetry, laying the foundations of the troubadour tradition.
  3. 1111–1127Poitiers · AquitaineIn his later years he continued to rule Aquitaine and foster a courtly poetic style; his works were written in Occitan, with themes of love, politics, and satire. He died in 1127 and was succeeded by his son William X; his daughter Eleanor later became Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right and married the King of France.

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