William of Champlitte

William I of Champlitte was a French knight who joined the Fourth Crusade and became the first prince of Achaea.

Early years and the Fourth Crusade

William was the second son of Odo or Eudes I of Champlitte, viscount of Dijon. He later married Elisabeth of Mount-Saint-Jean, but they divorced in 1199.
William was one of the crusader leaders who signed the letter written in April 1203 by Counts Baldwin IX of Flanders, Louis I of Blois and Chartres and Hugh IV of Saint Pol to Pope Innocent III after the occupation of Zara.
The imperial throne was given to Baldwin IX of Flanders on May 16, 1204.

Foundation of the Principality of Achaea

Early in 1205 Geoffrey of Villehardouin, one of William of Champlitte's allies went to the camp of Boniface I of Thessalonica at Nauplia. He had earlier occupied some parts of Messenia.
Image:Peloponnese Middle Ages map-en.svg|thumb|left|250px|The Peloponnese in the Middle Ages
William in short time occupied Coron, Kalamata and Kyparissia.
Image:Methoni castle Burtzi.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Fortress at Modon
William became the Prince of Achaea during 1205.
While traveling to France, his death occurred during 1208 in Apulia.