Background
She was born on 25 November 1274, the only daughter and heir of the titular Emperor of Constantinople Philip I of Courtenay by Beatrice of Sicily.
She was born on 25 November 1274, the only daughter and heir of the titular Emperor of Constantinople Philip I of Courtenay by Beatrice of Sicily.
Upon her father"s death which occurred on 15 December 1283, Catherine inherited his claims to the Latin throne of Constantinople and was recognized as empress by the Latin states in Greece, despite the city having been re-taken by the Empire of Nicaea in 1261. On 28 February 1301 at the Priory of Saint Cloud near Paris, she became the second wife of Count Charles of Valois, son of King Philip III of France. On 23 April 1301, Charles became titular emperor with Catherine until her death in Paris on 11 October 1307 at the age of 32.
She was buried at the abbey of Maubuisson the following day, 12 October.
Jacques de Molay, Grand Master of the Knights Templar served as one of her pallbearers. By Charles of Valois, Catherine I had four children:
John, Count of Chartres (1302–1308).
Catherine II of Valois, Princess of Achaea, titular Empress of Constantinople (before 15 April 1303 – October 1346). Joan of Valois (1304 – 9 July 1363).
Married Count Robert III of Artois and had issue.
Isabella of Valois (1305 – 11 November 1349), Abbess of Fontevrault.
