William II of Provence

William II or III (c. 987 – 1019), called the Pious, was the Count of Provence, succeeded his father, William I, on the latter's retirement to a monastery just before his death in late 993. He did not succeed in the margravial title, which went to his uncle Rotbold II.

His mother was Adelaide of Anjou or Arsenda, daughter of Arnold of Comminges and first wife of his father [According to "Europäische Stammtafeln", he was the son of William I by his first wife, but the primary source on which this is based has not been identified. It is possible that it is speculative in light of his marriage date, which suggests that he was born earlier than the date of his father's second marriage. See: [http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/PROVENCE.htm#_Toc147469706 Les comtes de Provence] ).]

He was initially under a regency until he came of age in 999. Around 1002, he married Gerberga, daughter of Otto-William, Count of Burgundy, and Ermentrude, Countess of Mâcon and Besançon.

He participated in 1005 in the assembly, presided over by his mother, which regulated the conduct of the monastery of Saint-Victor. In 1018, the viscount of Fos revolted and refused to recognise Provençal suzerainty. He died besieging the vicecomital castle next year.

Notes

ources

*Lewis, Archibald R. "The Development of Southern French and Catalan Society, 718–1050". University of Texas Press: Austin, 1965.