Robert the Magnificent (22 June 1000-3 July 1035) was Duke of Normandy from 1027 to 1035, succeeding Richard III and preceding William the Conqueror.
Biography[]
Robert was born in Normandy, France in 1000, the son of Richard II of Normandy and Judith of Brittany, and the brother of Richard III of Normandy. Robert was promised the County of Hiemois on his father's death, but Robert instead rebelled against his older brother in 1027 and defeated him at Falaise, forcing him to surrender the duchy of Normandy before having him murdered later that year. During the ensuing civil strife, many lesser nobles left Normandy for Italy or elsewhere to fight as mercenaries, while a new aristocracy was forged. Robert later intervened in a civil war in Flanders, backing Baldwin IV of Flanders against Baldwin V of Flanders and Robert II of France. Robert also aided Henry I of France against his mother Constance of Arles, and Henry rewarded him by granting him Vexin. During the 1030s, Robert fought with his cousin Alan III of Brittany, sacking Dol. Robert then made his illegitimate son William his heir before setting out on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and he died on his return journey at Nicaea in 1035.