Part V: The Partition of Brittany
For at least twenty years, Brandon’s reign would remain fairly stable. The Bretons were once again bathing in wealth and were reaping the prestigious benefits of the title of “Conquerors of Jerusalem.” Brittany’s neighbors were once again expanding outward, however. The Kings of Galles-Aquitaine and France had signed a pact a non-aggression, whilst both calmed the intrigue plagued domestic front. As a result, the two nations were often free to attack their weaker neighbors. France aided the English in their war against Scotland while Galles-Aquitaine was a valuable partner in the Crusade. The security Brandon felt at the heels of the two great Kingdoms vanished in early September of 1162. King Guilhèm d’Aquitaine sent an ultimatum to Brandon – relieve Breton independence to Galles-Aquitaine, or be attacked. It was refused.
On September 21, Guilhèm declared war. Two weeks later, King Amèdèe Capet joined him. Brandon had at least 8,000 men sent east to fight the French, while 12,000 were sent south to fight the Occitans. The 12,000 strong Southern Army, under Brandon himself, engaged the Occitans on equal terms near Poitiers. Though the Occitan commander was killed initially and Brandon fought heroically, the battle was ultimately lost. Over 5,500 casualties were sustained. The Southern Army was obliterated.
The Eastern Army fared no better. The leaders were quickly bribed with promises of titles in Brittany and the army dispersed. Whilst the French roamed the province of Maine unobstructed, Ducal authority was ruptured.
In January of 1163, Daniel’s Castle in Maine fell to the French forces with no resistance. Only a few days later, Castle Fergant was overrun by the Occitans in Nantes. Then, in the last dramatic act of the war, Fulup joined the invaders in against Brandon. The war was all but over.
On February 25, 1163, Breton independence was revoked in the ‘Treaty of Breton Liberation.’ The Duchy was partitioned between various French vassals and the Kingdom of Galles-Aquitaine. After this final act of humiliation, shame, and treachery – Brandon died of illness in obscurity, banished to Scotland.