Hugh III, Duke of Burgundy
| Hugh III of Burgundy | |
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Seal of Hugh III of Burgundy
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| Spouse(s) | Alice of Lorraine Béatrice of Albon |
| Noble family | House of Burgundy |
| Father | Odo II, Duke of Burgundy |
| Mother | Marie of Champagne |
| Born | 1142 |
| Died | 25 August 1192 Acre |
Hugh III of Burgundy (1142 – August 25, 1192) was duke of Burgundy between 1162 and 1192. Hugh was the eldest son of duke Odo II and Marie of Champagne, daughter of Theobald and Mathilda of Carinthia.
The rule of Hugh III marked the ending of a period of relative peace in the duchy of Burgundy. Hugh was a belligerent man and soon was involved in conflicts against king Louis VII of France over their borders. When King Philip Augustus succeeded Louis in 1180, Hugh seized the opportunity and forced several men to change their allegiance to Burgundy. Philip II was not happy with the loss of his vassals and invaded the duchy, besieging Châtillon. The town fell and with it, its garrison, commanded by Eudes, Hugh's heir. A peace was negotiated and Hugh had to pay a high ransom for his son and give up ambitions over French territory.
In 1187, Hugh transferred the capital of Burgundy to Dijon, and endeavoured to turn the city into a major commercial centre.
Hugh then turned his energies to the Holy Land, embarking in the Third Crusade in the retinue of Philip II. When Philip returned to France, he left Hugh in charge of the French troops. Hugh played a major role in the victory of the battle of Arsuf (September 7, 1191) and at the siege of Acre, where he died August 1192.
He was married twice:
Firstly, in 1165, to Alice of Lorraine (1145–1200), daughter of Matthias I, Duke of Lorraine; he repudiated her in 1183. By his first marriage, he produced:
Secondly, in 1183, to Béatrice of Albon (1161–1228),Countess of Albon and Dauphine of Viennois, daughter of Guigues, Count of Albon and Dauphin of Viennois. By his second marriage, he produced:
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