ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Walter V (Brienne) / Gauthier V de Brienne / Gualterio V de Brienne

Walter V of Brienne, also known as Gauthier V de Brienne or Gualterio V de Brienne, was born around 1275 in Brienne-le-Château. He was the son of Hugo of Brienne and Isabella de la Roche, daughter of Guido II de la Roche, Duke of Athens. This made him the heir to the family's claim to the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Cyprus, as well as to the Principality of Tarento and the Kingdom of Sicily.

As a young man, Walter V was held hostage in the castle of Augusta in Sicily until his father Hugo paid the ransom. This experience would shape his future endeavors and claims to various territories. After his father's death in 1296, Walter V inherited not only the title of Count of Brienne but also the claim to several other properties.

Walter V spent a significant portion of his youth navigating the complexities of Sicilian politics and warfare. He fought against Frederick II, King of Sicily, under Robert Kalyabyani's leadership before being captured in 1300. However, he managed to secure a treaty with Pallallalaltreaty in 1302, which allowed him to return to France.

Upon his return, Walter V married and began to consolidate his power. In 1308, after the death of his brother Guy II, Duke of Athens, Walter V became the recognized leader of the barons' meeting in Athens. He then turned his attention to Cyprus, where he claimed the title of ruler alongside other territories.

Walter V's claim to Cyprus was significant, as it marked one of the few instances where a European noble attempted to assert control over the island during this period. His efforts were likely influenced by his family's historical ties to the region and their claims to various properties in the Mediterranean.

In 1310, Walter V hired the Cataleya Company to support his claim to Cyprus. However, the mercenaries refused to pay for their services after four months of fighting on behalf of the Duke of Athens. Despite this setback, Walter V remained a prominent figure in Cypriot politics until his death on March 15, 1311.

Throughout his life, Walter V de Brienne navigated the intricate web of Mediterranean politics and warfare, seeking to assert his family