Conan I of Rennes facts for kids

Conan I (died 27 June 992), also known as Conan Le Tort (meaning 'The Crooked'), was an important leader in Brittany. He became the Duke of Brittany in 990 and ruled until he died in 992.

Conan's Rise to Power

Becoming Count of Rennes

Conan was the son of Judicael Berengar. He took over from his father as the Count of Rennes in 970. This made him a powerful leader in that region of Brittany.

From Count to Duke

In 990, Conan became the Duke of Brittany. This happened after he attacked Nantes and the previous leader, Count Alan, died. Before Conan, Brittany had been ruled by different people, and there was no single Duke for a while. To become Duke, Conan teamed up with Odo I, Count of Blois. This alliance helped him defeat another powerful person, Judicael Berengar.

Mont Saint-Michel, a famous abbey that Conan I supported. He was also buried here.

Important Actions as Duke

Supporting Mont Saint-Michel

On July 28, 990, Conan made an important gift. He gave lands like Villamée, Lillele, and Passille to the famous Mont Saint-Michel abbey. These lands later became part of the area known as Fougères. This shows his support for religious institutions.

Marriage and Alliances

In 973, Conan married Ermengarde-Gerberga of Anjou. She was the daughter of Geoffrey I, Count of Anjou. This marriage created a strong family connection with the powerful Anjou family. Conan's earlier alliance with Odo of Blois had helped him become Duke.

Pact with Normandy

Over time, Conan's alliance with Blois became difficult. To solve this, he made a special agreement with Richard I, Duke of Normandy. This agreement was important because it created strong ties between Brittany and Normandy for the first time. Richard I had a claim to be the overlord (a higher ruler) of Brittany. Conan's pact helped strengthen this claim.

Conan's Death

Conan died fighting in a battle on June 27, 992. He was fighting against his brother-in-law, Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou, at the Battle of Conquereuil. Conan was buried at the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, the place he had supported.

Conan's Family

Conan and his wife Ermengarde-Gerberga had several children:

• Geoffrey (born around 980, died 1008): He became the next Duke of Brittany.
• Judith (born 982, died 1017): She married Richard II, Duke of Normandy.
• Judicael (died 1037): He became the count of Porhoët.
• Hernod
• Catuallon: He became the Abbot of Redon.

See also

• Counts of Rennes
• Dukes of Brittany
• Dukes of Brittany family tree