Walter VI, Count of Brienne

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Walter VI of Brienne (c. 1356), also known as the Lord of Athens, was a French nobleman and Crusader who played a significant role in the Mediterranean region during the late Middle Ages.

Born around 1304 to Walter V of Brienne, Duke of Athens, and Jeanne de Chatillon, Walter VI inherited vast lands across the Mediterranean after his father's death at the Battle of Halmyros on March 15, 1311. He was the grandson of Hugo von Brienne († 1296), who had been excluded from the Duchy of Athens due to his involvement in a plot against King Philip IV of France.

Walter VI spent much of his life fighting for the legacy of his grandmother's family, including the claim to the Duchy of Athens. He left Argos and Nauplia under the care of deputies before leaving for Italy in the 1340s. However, he was unsuccessful in reclaiming the duchy from the Catalan Company.

In 1331, Walter VI sailed from Brindisi with a fleet of ships to attack the Latin County palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos, as well as the Greek Despotate of Epirus. He initially gained control over parts of northern Greece but was unable to overcome the Catalan forces, which had occupied much of the region.

Walter VI's military campaigns were also marked by his involvement in a strategic marriage with Beatrice, the niece of King Robert of Naples and daughter of Philip II of Taranto. This alliance aimed to strengthen his position as Count of Brienne but ultimately proved unsuccessful due to financial constraints.

In 1332, Walter VI was proclaimed leader of an anti-Catalan Crusade by Pope John XXII, who ordered prelates in Italy and Greece to preach a crusade against the Catalan forces. However, this campaign also ended in failure, as Walter VI lacked sufficient troops and resources to sustain a prolonged war.

Walter VI's tenure as Count of Brienne was marked by his involvement with various factions in Florence, including the popular party. He served as war captain and protector of the city for life but was eventually expelled after causing riots due to his tyrannical behavior.

In 1342, Walter VI entered the service of King John II of France, who appointed him Constable of France shortly before his death on September 19, 1356, at