Frederick II’s Capture of Theobald I of Lorraine at Amance and His Forced Submission (1218 CE)

After burning Nancy, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II continued his punitive campaign against Theobald I, Duke of Lorraine, pursuing him to the castle of Amance, where Theobald had taken refuge. Frederick besieged the fortress, captured it, and imprisoned Theobald, forcing him to submit to harsh terms to regain his freedom.

The Siege and Capture of Theobald I at Amance

• Frederick II’s forces besieged Amance, one of Theobald’s last strongholds in Lorraine.
• The castle eventually fell to the imperial army, and Theobald was taken prisoner.
• The defeat left Theobald in a position of extreme weakness, forcing him to negotiate for his release.

The Terms of Theobald’s Release

To regain his freedom, Theobald was forced to accept humiliating conditions, including:

1. Recognizing the suzerainty of the Count of Champagne

   • This effectively made Theobald a vassal of Champagne, diminishing his independent authority.

2. Acknowledging the legitimacy of Erard de Brienne’s claim to Champagne

   • This strengthened the opposition against Theobald IV of Champagne, whom Theobald I had originally supported.

3. Ceding several lordships to Frederick II

   • These territorial concessions further weakened Lorraine’s autonomy and expanded imperial control over the region.

Consequences of Theobald’s Defeat

• Theobald’s loss at Amance significantly reduced his power, both within Lorraine and in Champagne.
• Frederick II demonstrated his ability to suppress rebellious vassals, reinforcing imperial dominance in the Holy Roman Empire.
• The war for Champagne’s succession continued, but Theobald I’s defeat altered the balance of power in favor of Erard de Brienne.

Frederick II’s campaign in Lorraine and his capture of Theobald I at Amance in 1218 reinforced imperial authority over rebellious German lords, while also undermining Theobald IV of Champagne’s position in the ongoing War of Succession of Champagne.