Hugh III, Duke of Burgundy

Hugh III of Burgundy (1142 – August 25 1192, in Acre) was duke of Burgundy between 1162 and 1192. Hugh was the eldest son of duke Eudes II and Marie of Blois. He was married twice, first to Alice of Lorraine (daughter of duke Matthias I), whom he divorced in 1183, and then to Beatrice d'Albon. He had several sons and daughters by both wives, including his heir Eudes III by Alice.

The rule of Hugh III marked the ending of a period of relative peace in the duchy of Burgundy. Hugh was a belligerent man and soon was involved in conflicts against king Louis VII of France over their borders. When Philip Augustus succeeded Louis in 1180, Hugh seized the opportunity and forced several men to change alliance to Burgundy. Philip II was not happy with the loss of his vassals and invaded the duchy, besieging Chatillon. The town fell and with it, its garrison, commanded by Eudes, Hugh's heir. A peace was negotiated and Hugh had to pay a high ransom for his son and give up ambitions over French territory.

Hugh then turned his energies to the Holy Land, embarking in the Third Crusade in the retinue of Philip II. He was the most trusted ally of Richard, the Lionheart and fought with him against Saladin. When Philip returned to France, he left Hugh in charge of the French troops. Hugh played a major role in the victory of the battle of Arsuf (September 7 1191) and the conquest of Acre, where he died in the following year.

In 1187, Hugh transferred the capital of Burgundy to Dijon, and endeavoured to turn the city into a major commercial centre.

See also: Dukes of Burgundy family tree