[1] Its first duke, Renier of Trit, was also not among the main leaders of the Crusade, although he was perhaps a relative or vassal of the first Latin Emperor, Baldwin, as both came from Hainaut.
[2] Renier quickly faced a revolt of the Greek lords of Thrace, supported by the Bulgarian ruler Kaloyan, who was already at war with the Latin Empire.
[3] Feeling unsafe in Philippopolis with its hostile population, Renier had to retreat to the fortress of Stenimachos with only forty knights.
Although not included in the provisions in the Partitio Romaniae, the Republic of Venice nevertheless claimed rule over three eighths of the Duchy, as elsewhere in the Empire.
However, in the treaty finally ratified in April 1229 (or 1230, according to Buchon), the rights of Gerard of Estreux over the duchy were confirmed.