Hugh V, Count of Maine

Hugh V (c. 1055/1062 – 1131) was the count of Maine from 1069 until c. 1093.

Hugh V of Maine
Hugh as depicted in the Genealogia dei principi d'Este (1470s)
Count of Maine	1069-1093
Predecessor	Robert Curthose
Successor	Elias I, Count of Maine
Born	c. 1062
Died	1131(1131-00-00) (aged 68–69)

Life

He was the son of Margrave Albert Azzo II of Milan and Gersenda, a sister of Count Hugh IV of Maine.^[1] In 1070, the citizens of Le Mans and some of the Manceaux barons revolted against Norman control.^[2] After securing the southern border of Normandy and expelling the Normans, they invited young Hugh V to rule them as count of Maine. They soon realized, however, he was incapable of ruling Maine and began to detest him. Orderic Vitalis said of him "he was, indeed, an imbecile, a coward, and an idler, and totally unfit to hold the reins of government in so high a station."^[3] After a short time holding the countship, his cousin Elias convinced Hugh to sell him the county, which he did.^[4]

In 1077 Hugh married Heria, daughter of Robert Guiscard,^[5] but after discovering he could not manage her either he repudiated her, was promptly excommunicated by Pope Urban II and died childless.^[3]