John II, Duke of Brabant

Timeline

1. 1294–1300Brussels · BrabantIn 1294 he succeeded his father John I as Duke of Brabant, establishing his capital at Brussels. In the early years of his reign he consolidated control over cities such as Leuven and Mechelen and took part in the succession disputes of neighboring Flanders and Hainaut.
2. 1301–1310Antwerp · BrabantBetween 1301 and 1310 John II exploited Brabant's geographic position between France and England, conducting flexible diplomacy over the wool trade, urban privileges, and alliances. He supported some Flemish cities against French intervention while maintaining commercial ties with England, making Brabant an active economic center of the Low Countries.
3. 1310–1312Tournai · HainautAfter 1310 John II's health declined; he died at Tournai on 27 October 1312 and was succeeded by his son John III. His reign left behind a relatively prosperous urban economy and a tradition of independent diplomacy between France and England.