Artau II, Count of Pallars Sobirà facts for kids
Artau II was an important ruler known as the Count of Pallars Sobirà. He held this title from 1081 until he passed away around 1115. His full name was sometimes written as Artallus or Artaldus in Latin, and Artallo or Artaldo in Spanish.
Artau II was very active in a historical period called the Reconquista. This was a long series of battles and efforts to take back lands in Spain from Muslim rule. Because he governed a border area, he sometimes called himself comes et marchio, which means "count and margrave". A margrave was a special kind of count who protected a frontier region. Artau II was the son of Artau I, who was also a Count of Pallars Sobirà before him.
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Who Was Artau II?
Artau II was a powerful leader in a region of what is now Spain. He inherited his title, Count of Pallars Sobirà, from his father, Artau I. Being a count meant he was a very important noble who ruled over a specific territory.
Artau II and the Reconquista
The Reconquista was a major part of Artau II's life. This was a time when Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) were trying to regain control of lands from Muslim rulers. As a count in a border area, Artau II played a key role in these efforts. His territory was often on the front lines of these conflicts.
Agreements and Castles
Artau II made important agreements with other powerful nobles. These agreements often involved control over castles and land.
Dealing with Cousins and Castles
There is a record of an agreement between Artau II and his cousin, Raymond IV of Pallars Jussà. This agreement was about two castles: Llimiana and Mur. Raymond gave control of these castles to Artau. The people in charge of the castles, called seniores (or castellans), became Artau's loyal followers, known as vassals. If one of these positions became empty, Raymond had the right to choose the new person.
Artau also gave the castle of Cuberes to one of his own vassals named Mir Arnau. Interestingly, Mir Arnau later gave this castle to a monastery called Santa Maria de Gerri. This monastery had actually received the castle before, from Artau's father.
Plans for Tortosa
Artau II also made a significant plan with Raymond Berengar III of Barcelona. Raymond Berengar III was a young but rising count. Around the year 1100, they made an agreement about dividing lands after they hoped to capture the city of Tortosa. This city was under Muslim control at the time.
Even though they never actually captured Tortosa during their lifetimes, this agreement was important. It showed that the young Raymond Berengar III was already thinking about expanding his territory and joining the fight against the Muslims. If they had succeeded, Artau would have been given control of the castle in Tortosa.
See also
In Spanish: Artal II de Pallars Sobirá para niños
