# Theobald II of Navarre

> King of Navarre

**Wikidata**: [Q351859](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q351859)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobald_II_of_Navarre)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/theobald-ii-of-navarre

## Summary
Theobald II of Navarre was a medieval ruler who reigned as King of Navarre from 1253 until his death in 1270. He was a member of the House of Champagne and played a significant role in the political landscape of the Pyrenees region during the 13th century.

## Biography
- Born: Unknown
- Nationality: Navarre
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: King of Navarre
- Employer(s): Kingdom of Navarre
- Field(s): Medieval European monarchy

## Contributions
Theobald II of Navarre's primary contribution was his reign as King of Navarre from 1253 to 1270. During his rule, he participated in the Eighth Crusade in 1270, joining forces with King Louis IX of France in an attempt to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control. His involvement in this military campaign demonstrated Navarre's commitment to the broader Christian cause in the Mediterranean.

## FAQs
What was Theobald II of Navarre's role in the Eighth Crusade?
Theobald II participated in the Eighth Crusade in 1270, joining King Louis IX of France in an expedition to North Africa. He contributed military forces from Navarre to support the French-led campaign against Muslim territories.

How long did Theobald II rule Navarre?
Theobald II reigned as King of Navarre for approximately 17 years, from 1253 until his death in 1270 at the age of 37.

What was the Kingdom of Navarre during Theobald II's reign?
During Theobald II's reign, the Kingdom of Navarre was a medieval Basque kingdom that occupied lands on either side of the western Pyrenees, alongside the Atlantic Ocean. It existed as an independent entity from 1162 to 1512.

## Why They Matter
Theobald II of Navarre matters in medieval European history as a ruler who connected the Pyrenean kingdom to broader European political and religious movements. His participation in the Eighth Crusade alongside the French king demonstrated Navarre's integration into the larger Christian military efforts of the 13th century. His reign helped maintain Navarre's independence during a period when many smaller kingdoms were being absorbed by larger powers.

## Notable For
- Participation in the Eighth Crusade (1270)
- Reign as King of Navarre for 17 years (1253-1270)
- Member of the House of Champagne
- Ruler of a Basque medieval kingdom spanning the Pyrenees

## Body
### Early Life and Ascension
Theobald II was born into the House of Champagne, a powerful French noble family. He became King of Navarre in 1253 following the death of his father, Theobald I. As a young monarch, he inherited a kingdom strategically positioned between France and Castile, giving Navarre significant diplomatic importance in medieval European politics.

### Reign and Political Context
During Theobald II's reign, Navarre maintained its independence as a Basque medieval kingdom that occupied territories on both sides of the western Pyrenees. The kingdom's location alongside the Atlantic Ocean provided it with access to maritime trade routes while its mountainous terrain offered natural defensive advantages. Theobald II's rule came during a period when many smaller European kingdoms were being absorbed by larger powers, making Navarre's continued independence noteworthy.

### Military Campaigns
Theobald II's most significant military involvement was his participation in the Eighth Crusade of 1270. This campaign, led by King Louis IX of France, aimed to recapture territories in the Holy Land but ultimately ended in failure with Louis's death in Tunis. Theobald's decision to join this expedition demonstrated Navarre's commitment to the broader Christian cause and its alliance with France.

### Legacy
Theobald II died in 1270 at the relatively young age of 37, having reigned for approximately 17 years. His participation in the Eighth Crusade and his maintenance of Navarre's independence during a turbulent period in European history established his place in medieval history. The kingdom he ruled would continue to exist as an independent entity until 1512, though it would face increasing pressure from both France and Spain in the centuries following his death.

## References

1. Source
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. CERL Thesaurus