Bermudo I of Asturias facts for kids
Bermudo I (sometimes called Vermudo or Veremund) was a king of Asturias, a kingdom in what is now Spain. He was known as the Deacon or the Monk. He ruled from about 788 or 789 until 791. Bermudo I was born around 750 and died in 797. He was related to other important kings: his father was Fruela of Cantabria, his uncle was Alfonso I, and his brother was Aurelius. His time as king changed how Asturias dealt with the Arab people living nearby.
Becoming King
Bermudo became king after Mauregatus died in 788. Important people from the royal palace, called palatine officials, chose Bermudo to be the new king. Some people think he was chosen to stop Alfonso II from becoming king. Alfonso II was the son of a previous king, Fruela I.
The Chronicle of Alfonso III, an old historical record, says that Bermudo was a deacon when he became king. A deacon is a type of church official. This might have been another reason why some people wanted him as king instead of Alfonso II.
Challenges and Defeat
Bermudo I did not rule for very long. During his reign, he had to defend his kingdom from attacks. An army of Arab and Berber people invaded parts of Asturias, including areas like Álava and Galicia.
Bermudo's forces fought against them in a big battle called the Battle of the Burbia River. This battle likely happened near a place called the Bierzo in 791. Bermudo's army was defeated in this important fight. Old records from the time, like those by Ibn al-Athir and al-Maqqarī, also mention this battle.
Giving Up the Throne
After his defeat at the Burbia River, Bermudo I gave up his throne. This is called abdication. It's not fully clear if he chose to step down on his own or if he was forced to. The Chronicle of Alfonso III says he abdicated because he remembered he was a deacon.
In those times, if a king was not good at leading in battle, they were sometimes made to give up their power. Even so, Bermudo was seen as a good person. The Chronicle of Albelda described him as "merciful and pious," meaning he was kind and religious.
After His Reign
After Bermudo I gave up the throne, Alfonso II became the new king. Bermudo had a son named Ramiro I, who later became king himself.
Bermudo I lived for a long time after he stopped being king. He might have lived as a monk, a religious person who lives in a monastery. He also got along well with the new king, Alfonso II.
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