William IX, Duke of Aquitaine
William IX, Duke of Aquitaine, also known as William the Troubadour, was born in 1071 and died in 1126. He was the son of William VIII and inherited the Duchy of Aquitaine at the age of fifteen upon his father's death. William was known for his active social life and patronage of the arts, particularly troubadour poetry. He was himself a famous troubadour, composing poems in the Occitan language that celebrated love and chivalry. In his political life, William was one of the most powerful lords in medieval France. He fought in the First Crusade and later defended his lands against various enemies, including the King of France. William was married three times and had multiple children. He was known for his affairs with various women, including the wife of the Count of Anjou, who would later become King Henry II of England. In the latter part of his life, William became a more pious man and joined a monastery. He died in 1126 and was succeeded as Duke of Aquitaine by his daughter Eleanor, who would later become Queen of both France and England.
