Arnau Mir facts for kids

Arnau Mir (died 1174) was an important count who ruled the County of Pallars Jussà from around 1124 until his death. He was a powerful figure in his time.

A historical document called the Memoria renovata tells us about Arnau Mir's family history. This document was written to show why the County of Ribagorza should be independent. It seems the author thought Arnau Mir was a strong leader who could help protect Ribagorza from bigger kingdoms like Aragon and Navarre.

In 1140, Arnau Mir was asked for his advice during an important meeting. William, the Archbishop of Arles, was acting as a special representative of the Pope (a "Papal legate"). He was helping to settle a disagreement about the borders between two church areas, the Diocese of Roda and the Diocese of Urgell. Arnau Mir gave his advice and also signed the agreement as a witness. Other important people, like Artau III, the Count of Pallars Sobirà, and Ramon Pere II d'Erill (who was Arnau's own vassal), were also there.

Arnau Mir held the city of Fraga as a vassal of Alfonso II of Aragon, meaning he managed it for the king. In turn, Ramon Pere held Fraga from Arnau.

Disputes with Ramon Pere

Arnau Mir had many disagreements with his vassal, Ramon Pere II d'Erill. There are old records that describe these problems, though some parts are missing. Ramon even had to give up hostages as a promise to behave.

Arnau accused Ramon of several things, including:

• Stealing many sheep from Arnau's and the king's men near Fraga.
• Capturing Arnau's vassal, Berenguer de Benevent, and taking a lot of valuable goods from his lands.
• Forcing another of Arnau's vassals, Pere de Bardet, to become his own vassal.
• Refusing to provide services (called "fief service") to Arnau and his son, Raymond V, even though he was supposed to be a loyal vassal.
• Not paying back money he owed to Arnau's other vassals.
• Illegally taking control of lands (called "fiefs") in Vallebona and Bonausa.
• Allowing his own vassals to steal from people in Val Benasc.

Berenguer de Benevent had placed himself and his lands under Arnau's protection. This meant Arnau would protect him, and Berenguer could also act as a guarantor for Arnau or Ramon if needed. Arnau even gave Berenguer a special protection document, but Ramon broke this agreement.

Arnau had also set up a market (a "fair") in a place called Casteglo (possibly Castelló d'Encús). But Ramon then started his own competing fair nearby. He even told his own men not to go to Arnau's fair.

When Arnau was going to take back Ramon's land in Val d'Aran because Ramon owed him money, Ramon sent someone as a promise to pay. This person was given control of Aran, but Ramon d'Erill took it from him, causing more trouble for Arnau.

Arnau's Captivity

At one point, Arnau was captured during a war with Sancho VI of Navarre. While he was a prisoner, he placed his lands and vassals under Ramon's care. Ramon promised to treat Arnau's vassals fairly, just as he treated his own. Arnau also promised to respect Ramon's vassals. However, during Arnau's captivity, Ramon's vassals stole from Arnau and his men, causing a lot of damage.

Ramon also accepted a promise of payment from Ermengol VI of Urgell in Lleida and Agramunt, but he never paid it back. This forced Arnau to make an agreement with Ramon and Ermengol. Arnau had to agree not to make Ramon pay the debt and not to go to Lleida or Agramunt himself, nor allow his vassals to go there.

Other Disputes

Arnau also had problems with some of his other vassals. For example, one vassal named Berivizio injured Pere de Castellnou, who was Arnau's loyal vassal and nephew. Another vassal, Ramón de San Saturnino, stole many mules and donkeys from Sanç de Lirio.

Founding a Monastery

Arnau Mir and his wife, Oria d'Entença, founded a religious community called the monastery of Santa María de la Gloria at Casbas de Huesca.

Images for kids

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  Arnau asking Ermengol II of Urgell for the castle of Àger. From the Liber feudorum maior.

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  Ruins of the castle of Castelló d'Encús.

See also

In Spanish: Arnal Mir de Pallars Jussá para niños