Otto IV, Count of Burgundy

Otto IV (c. 1248, in Ornans – 17 March 1303, in Melun^[1]) was the count of the Free County of Burgundy from 1279 until 1303.

Otto IV
Seal of Otto IV
Count of Burgundy
Reign	8 March 1279 – 17 March 1303
Predecessor	Adelaide
Successor	Joan II
Born	c. 1248 Ornans
Died	17 March 1303 Melun
Spouse	Philippa of Bar Mahaut of Artois
Issue	Joan II, Countess of Burgundy Blanche, Queen of France Robert of Burgundy
House	House of Ivrea
Father	Hugh de Châlon
Mother	Adelaide, Countess Palatine of Burgundy

Life

Otto was the son of Hugh of Châlons and Adelaide, Countess Palatine of Burgundy.^[2] Upon his father's death in 1266/7, he became Count of Châlons. In 1267, the pro-French Otto IV got in conflict with his half-uncle John I of Chalon-Arlay, who was supported by his vassals.^[3] His mother, Adelaide, died on 8 March 1279, and Otto inherited her county. However, he was unable to secure real power in the county until 1295.^[4] His elder daughter Joan II succeeded in the County of Burgundy, which was later given as dowry on her marriage to Philip.^[5]

His wife Mahaut drew up a contract on 4 June 1312 with the famous tomb maker Jean Pépin de Huy [fr] to make a tomb.^[6] The contract specifies a tomb made of stone and alabaster.^[6] Otto was to be shown as an armed knight with a shield, sword and armor.^[6] A lion was shown beneath his feet with two angels to support the pillow under his head.^[6] The tomb no longer exists, but the designs have been preserved.

Marriage and children

Otto married Philippa of Bar in 1271. The marriage was childless.^[7]

In 1285, Otto married his second wife, Mahaut, Countess of Artois.^[7] They had:

• Joan II, Countess of Burgundy (c.1291 - 1330) married Philip, Count of Poitiers (later King of France) in 1307^[8]
• Blanche (c.1296 - 1326) married Charles, Count of La Marche (also later King of France).^[8]
• Robert (c.1300 – 1317).