Aurembiaix facts for kids

Aurembiaix (also spelled Aurembiax) (born 1196, died 1231) was an important figure in history. She was the Countess of Urgell starting in 1208. She was the last ruler from her family line.

Aurembiaix was the only child of Count Ermengol VIII and Elvira of Subirats. When her father was alive, he asked Peter II of Aragon to protect his daughter's right to become the next ruler. He also wanted his wife, Elvira, to govern the county until Aurembiaix was old enough. However, after Peter II died in 1213, Aurembiaix's cousin, Guerau IV of Cabrera, claimed he should be the ruler. He invaded Urgell and took control.

Becoming Countess of Urgell

Aurembiaix married Álvaro Pérez de Castro in 1212. Years later, in 1228, her marriage was ended. She then returned to Urgell to claim her rightful place as countess. She received help from James I of Aragon, a powerful king. To gain his full support, she became his close companion.

The nobles (important leaders) of Urgell were worried about an invasion and a possible alliance between Aurembiaix and Aragon. Because of this, they agreed to accept Aurembiaix as their true ruler. In 1229, Aurembiaix married Peter, who was the exiled brother of Afonso II of Portugal. As part of an agreement, Aurembiaix gave the city of Lleida to King James. In return, she received Urgell back from him as a fief. This meant she ruled Urgell, but it was still under the authority of King James.

Later Life and Legacy

Aurembiaix died in Balaguer in 1231, about a year after her second marriage. She did not have any children. After her death, the county of Urgell went to her husband, Peter.

See also

In Spanish: Aurembiaix de Urgel para niños