Berengar the Wise facts for kids

Berengar, known as the Wise, was an important leader in the Frankish Empire during the 800s. He was the count of Toulouse from 814 to 835. He also held the title of duke or margrave of Septimania from 832 to 835. At the same time, he was the Count of Barcelona.

Family and Early Life

Berengar came from a powerful family called the Unrochids. His father was Unruoch II of Friuli, and his mother was Ingeltrude. He had a brother named Eberhard. His nephew, also named Berengar, later became the Holy Roman Emperor.

In 814, Louis the Pious, who was the Emperor, made Berengar the Count of Toulouse. He took over from Raymond Raphinel. Berengar also served as an advisor to Pepin I of Aquitaine, who was a king in the region, starting in 816.

In 819, Berengar and another count, Guerin, worked together. They fought against a duke named Lupo III Centule, who was trying to take power illegally in Gascony. Berengar also acted as a special representative for Emperor Louis. This role was called a missus dominicus. It meant he traveled to different areas to check on how things were being run. He did this in several counties and bishoprics in 825 and 827.

Loyalty and Conflict

In November 831, King Pepin I, whom Berengar advised, rebelled against his father, Emperor Louis the Pious. Berengar told Pepin not to rebel. However, another powerful leader, Bernard of Septimania, encouraged Pepin to fight.

In early 832, Emperor Louis began a military campaign against his rebellious son. Berengar stayed loyal to the Emperor. He attacked the lands of Bernard of Septimania. Berengar successfully took control of areas like Roussillon, Razès, and Conflent. By February 2, Berengar had reached Elna.

Later that year, the Emperor's forces won many battles. This forced Pepin and Bernard to meet with the Emperor in October to ask for peace. Pepin lost his kingdom and was sent away as a prisoner. His lands were then given to Charles the Bald, the Emperor's youngest son. Bernard's brother, Gaucelm, also lost most of his lands. Berengar even took the County of Empúries from Gaucelm later on.

Challenges and Later Years

In 833, a count named Aznar I Galíndez took over the counties of Pallars and Ribagorza. These lands were supposed to be under Berengar's rule.

In 834, another of the Emperor's sons, Lothair I, rebelled but was defeated. Bernard of Septimania had fought on the Emperor's side during this time. As a reward for his support, Bernard demanded his old lands back. The Emperor gave these lands to Bernard, which made Berengar weaker. Berengar's lands in the Pyrenees region were taken from him unfairly. They were given to others by the Emperor. His lands in Catalonia were also taken and given to Bernard, his old enemy. After being loyal to the Emperor and helping Pepin succeed, Berengar was left with only the County of Toulouse.

In June 835, Bernard and Berengar were called to a meeting. This meeting was in Crémieu, near Lyon. They were going to decide how to divide the lands in Septimania and Gothia. However, Berengar died unexpectedly on his way to the meeting. Because of his death, the decision became simpler. The Emperor gave the counties in that region to Bernard and the County of Toulouse to Guerin.

See also

In Spanish: Berenguer de Tolosa para niños