[4] Robert II became count in 1093 and supported the restoration of the diocese of Arras in order to limit the influence of the Holy Roman Empire in his dominion.

He made his wife, Clementia of Burgundy, regent in Flanders,[1] and formed the army of Robert the Crusader that followed the retinue of his kinsman Godfrey of Bouillon, Duke of Lower Lorraine.

Robert, whose father had already served Alexius during his pilgrimage in the 1080s, had no problem swearing this oath, but some of the other leaders did and there was some delay in leaving the city.

The Siege of Antioch lasted many months; in December, Robert and Bohemund briefly left the army to raid the surrounding territory for food, and on 30 December they defeated an army sent to relieve Antioch, led by Duqaq, ruler of Damascus.

Antioch was eventually betrayed to Bohemund by an Armenian guard, and Robert was among the first to enter the city, but only a few days later they were themselves besieged by Kerbogha.

Raymond continued south to Jerusalem in January 1099, but Robert and Godfrey remained behind in Antioch until February.

Robert formed part of the centre wing in the ensuing Battle of Ascalon, which resulted in a crusader victory.

Raymond remained there but both Roberts continued home by way of Constantinople, after declining Alexius' request to stay there in his service.

Robert brought back with him a precious relic, the arm of Saint George, a gift from Alexius.

During his absence, Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV had tried to seize imperial Flanders.

[3] When Henry refused to pay, Robert allied with his nominal overlord, Louis VI of France, and attacked Normandy.