Baldwin I

Baldwin I (bôl'dwin) [key], 1171–1205, 1st Latin emperor of Constantinople (1204–5). The count of Flanders (as Baldwin IX), he was a leader in the Fourth Crusade (see Crusades). After the seizure of Constantinople (1204), the Crusaders elected him emperor (see Constantinople, Latin Empire of). He was captured (1205) in battle by the Bulgarians and died in captivity, probably by poison. He was succeeded by his brother, Henry of Flanders.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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