Bermudo Ovéquiz facts for kids

Bermudo Ovéquiz (also known as Vermudo) was an important nobleman who lived in the 11th century. He was from the highest ranks of society in Asturias, León, and Galicia. He was active between the years 1044 and 1092.

Who Was Bermudo Ovéquiz?

Bermudo Ovéquiz was the first son of Oveco Bermúdez and Elvira Suárez. His grandparents were Bermudo Vela and Elvira Pinióliz. His mother, Elvira Suárez, was related to Osorio Gutiérrez, who was known as the "holy count."

Bermudo lived in Asturias. He likely inherited land and wealth from his grandmother, Elvira Pinióliz, in that region.

He first appears in old documents, called charters, in 1045. In 1053, he confirmed a gift from King Ferdinand I of León to a church called the Monastery of San Pelayo in Oviedo. This shows he was trusted by the king.

In 1075, Bermudo and his brother, Vela Ovéquiz, had a disagreement with the bishop of Oviedo. This was about a monastery called Tol. The monastery had been given to the Cathedral of Oviedo by Gontrodo Gundemáriz. Other family members, like Count Fernando Díaz and his sister Jimena, who was married to Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, were also involved.

Even though Bermudo did not have the title of "count," he was respected. In 1087, he acted as a judge in a legal case. This case involved the leader of the Monastery of Lorenzana and the bishop of Mondoñedo.

Bermudo's Family

Bermudo Ovéquiz was married to Jimena Peláez. Her parents were Count Pelayo Froilaz and Countess Aldonza Ordóñez. Jimena's grandparents were Ordoño Ramírez and Cristina Bermúdez.

Bermudo and Jimena had several children:

• Suero: He became a count and was a very powerful person in Asturias. He was a loyal supporter of kings Alfonso VI, Urraca, and Alfonso VII.
• Alfonso Bermúdez: Unlike his brothers, Alfonso did not become a count. He also did not hold any major official positions. He married Urraca Raimúndez. Alfonso and Urraca had several children: Pedro Alfonso, Gonzalo, Gutierre, María, Ildonza, and Teresa Alfonso. Pedro Alfonso later became an important leader in Asturias.
• Gutierre Bermúdez: He was also a count. He married Toda Pérez de Traba. They had a son named Vela Gutiérrez, who also became a count.
• Urraca Bermúdez: She married Count Gonzalo Ansúrez. They had several children, including Sancha González. In 1128, King Alfonso VII gave Urraca some land in San Vicente in Asturias de Santillana.
• Jimena Bermúdez: She married Pelayo Muñoz. They had a daughter named Velasquita Peláez, who married Munio Doniz.

It is also possible that Bermudo and Jimena had another son named Sebastián Bermúdez. His connection to the family is mentioned in some old documents from Galicia.

See also

In Spanish: Bermudo Ovéquiz para niños