Artau I, Count of Pallars Sobirà facts for kids

Artau I was a powerful leader known as the Count of Pallars Sobirà. He ruled from 1049 until about 1081. His time as count was full of constant wars and disagreements. Most of these were with his cousin and neighbor, Raymond IV of Pallars Jussà. Raymond ruled the nearby area of Pallars Jussà.

Early Life and Family

Artau was the second son of William II of Pallars Sobirà. His mother was Stephanie. Her family was connected to other important counts. Artau's father passed away in 1035. His older brother, Bernard II, became count after their father. When Bernard II died in 1049, Artau became the new Count of Pallars Sobirà.

Artau was married two times. His first wife was named Constance. They married before September 1050. Later, in 1058, he married his second wife, Lucia. Lucia was the daughter of Bernard I of La Marche. She was also the sister of Almodis, who was married to Raymond Berengar I of Barcelona, another powerful count.

Artau and Lucia had three sons. Their oldest son was Artau II, who would later become count. Another son, Ot, became a bishop. Their third son was named William. They might have also had a daughter named Maria.

Wars and Agreements

Artau I spent much of his rule fighting with his cousin, Raymond IV. To protect his lands and attack his enemies, Artau built several new castles. These included Montcortés, Peramea, Bresca, and Baén.

In 1064, Artau and Raymond made their first convenientia, which means an agreement. Artau had to give a castle to Raymond as a promise for future talks. They made another agreement in 1067. In this one, Artau gave up the monastery of Santa Maria de Lavaix and some villages to Raymond.

Around 1080, more agreements were made between Raymond and either Artau I or his son, Artau II. This time, Raymond gave up control of the castle of Talarn to two of his important leaders. Artau gave up control of his castle of Salás to two of his own men. These two castles were close to each other. They stood on opposite sides of the Noguera Pallaresa river, which was the border between their lands.

The final agreement and exchange of castles happened with Sancho Ramírez, the King of Aragon, present. At the same time, Artau also settled an old disagreement with the king.

Supporting the Church

Artau I was a supporter of the monastery of Santa Maria de Gerri. He helped the monastery by giving them property. For example, in a document from 1070, Artau donated land to Santa Maria.

He also made other donations:

• In September 1050, he and his first wife Constance made a donation.
• On June 22, 1059, he and Lucia made a donation.
• On April 22, 1068, he and Lucia made another donation.

Death and Succession

Historians are not completely sure about the exact date of Artau I's death. Some documents from 1081 and 1082 make it a bit unclear. However, his son, Artau II, was already using the title of count by 1080. This suggests that Artau I likely died around 1081.

See Also

In Spanish: Artal I de Pallars Sobirá para niños