Aimar V of Limoges facts for kids

Aimar V (born around 1135, died around 1199) was an important nobleman in a region of France called Aquitaine. He held the title of Viscount of Limoges. His name is sometimes spelled differently, like Adhemar or Aymar.

A Young Viscount

Aimar was born in Limoges, France, around the year 1135. His family first named him Boson, but he later used the traditional name Aimar, which many viscounts before him had used. Sadly, Aimar became an orphan in 1148 when he was still young. Relatives from noble families in southern France helped raise him. Limoges was a very important city, and a nearby castle called Aixe-sur-Vienne was also key. Because of this, Aimar became a special ward of King Henry II of England. This meant the King looked after him and his lands. Aimar ruled as viscount from 1148 until about 1184. At that time, he was sent away to France, and his son Guy took over as viscount.

Standing Up to the King

Aimar is most famous for often rebelling against his powerful overlord, Richard the Lionheart. Richard was King of England and also the Duke of Aquitaine, a title he inherited from his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Like many other nobles in Aquitaine, Aimar often joined in small rebellions against the Duke's power. He sometimes worked with Richard's own brothers, and with other powerful families like the Count of Angoulême and the Lusignan family. Even though he often rebelled, he was usually brought back under control. Aimar was even declared an outlaw for rebelling against King Henry II, Richard's father, and was sent away from his lands. Later, in 1184, Aimar was found helping the Count of Toulouse. They were trying to take back some land from the Plantagenet kings (Henry II and Richard). A famous poet named Bertran de Born encouraged Aimar to disobey the kings. Another poet, Giraut de Bornelh, wrote a sad poem about Aimar, which suggests he died suddenly. Some historical records say he was killed by Philip of Cognac.

Family Life

Aimar married Sarah de Dunstanville in Bordeaux in 1159. Sarah was the daughter of Reginald de Dunstanville, who was the first Earl of Cornwall. King Henry II had promised Aimar the title of Earl of Cornwall as a reward and to help him advance. However, the King kept delaying giving him the title, which made Aimar quite annoyed. Aimar and Sarah had several children:

• Guy
• Marie de Limoges, who married Eble V of Ventadorn, another viscount
• Aigline
• Humberge, who married Geoffroy Ier de Lusignan