Walter VI of Brienne

Life and Family

Walter VI of Brienne (c. 1304 – 19 September 1356 at Maupertuis) was a nobleman who held various titles, including Count of Brienne, Conversano, and Lecce, as well as Titular Duke of Athens.

He was the son of Walter V of Brienne, Duke of Athens, and Jeanne de Chatillon († 1354), daughter of the Count of Porcien. Through his grandfather Hugo von Brienne († 1296), he inherited vast lands around the Mediterranean.

Succession and Early Life

Upon the death of his father at the Battle of Halmyros on 15 March 1311, Walter VI inherited the county of Brienne and the claim to the Duchy of Athens. However, the Duchy had been overrun by the Catalan Company except for Argos and Nauplia.

Career in Italy

In the 1340s, Walter VI left for Italy, leaving deputies to govern Argos and Nauplia. He spent much of his life fighting to reclaim the legacy of his grandmother's family. During this time, he was educated in the court of King Roberto I of Naples and claimed the duchy of Athens.

Military Campaigns

In 1331, Walter VI landed in Epiro and captured the fortress of Vonitsa and the city of Arta. However, he was less successful against the Catalans and returned to Italy in 1332. He later entered the service of the popular party in Florence, where he was elected war captain and protector of the city for life in 1342.

Service to King John II of France

Walter VI eventually entered the service of King John II of France and was appointed Constable of France shortly before his death.