County of Fézensac facts for kids

The County of Fézensac was a historic area in what is now France. It was created in the 8th century by Charlemagne, a powerful Frankish king. He wanted to set up new territories ruled by counts to help control the region, especially near the Duchy of Gascony. This was partly to challenge the power of the local duke, Lupo II, after the Franks faced a defeat at the Battle of Roncevaux in 778. The local people, especially the Basques, were not happy about these changes, and there were some conflicts.

The first count of Fézensac was named Burgund. He wasn't from the local area. After he died around 801, another count named Liutard took over. He also wasn't local, and his new rules caused some important local leaders to rebel. The rebellion was eventually stopped, and those who started it were punished.

Later, in 864, we hear about Arnold, who was a local and held the title of count of Fézensac.

In 926, after the death of García II, the County of Fézensac was given to his second son, William. This kind of gift of land to a younger son was called an appanage. The county included important cities like Vic and Auch, which became its capital. It also included the region of Armagnac.

Early Counts of Fézensac

Over the centuries, different noble families ruled the County of Fézensac.

The House of Gascony

The county was first ruled by a branch of the House of Gascony.

• William Garcés ruled from 926 to 960.
• His son, Odo Falta, took over in 960 and ruled until 985.
• Then came Bernard Manciat Tinéa, Odo's son, who ruled until 1020.
• After him, his son Aymeric I ruled until 1032.
• William Astanove I, Aymeric's son, ruled until 1064.
• His son, Aymeric II, ruled until 1103.
• The last count from this direct line was Astanove II, who ruled until 1140. His sons died before him, so his daughter Anicelle inherited the county.

An interesting fact: In 1777, the Montesquiou family was recognized as being related to these early counts of Fézensac. King Louis XVI even allowed them to change their name to "de Montesquiou-Fezensac".

The House of Armagnac

When Astanove II's daughter Anicelle inherited the county, it passed to the house of Armagnac through her marriage.

• Géraud III of Armagnac became count of both Armagnac and Fézensac in 1140, ruling until 1160. He was married to Anicelle.
• His son, Bernard IV of Armagnac, ruled from 1160 to 1193.
• Then, Géraud IV d'Armagnac, Bernard's son, ruled from 1193 to 1215.

The House of Lomagne

After Géraud IV, the county passed to the House of Lomagne.

• Géraud V d'Armagnac became count in 1215 and ruled until 1219.
• His son, Peter Gérard of Armagnac, ruled until 1241.
• Then, his brother, Bernard V of Armagnac, ruled until 1243.
• Later, Mascarose I of Armagnac (daughter of Géraud V) and her husband Arnaud Odon of Armagnac ruled.
• Their daughter, Mascarose II of Armagnac, and her husband Eschivat IV of Chabanais ruled briefly from 1255 to 1256.
• Gerald VI, Count of Armagnac, a nephew of Géraud V, became count in 1256 and ruled until 1285.
• His son, Bernard of Armagnac, ruled from 1285 to 1319.
• Jean I of Armagnac, Bernard's son, was a powerful count who ruled from 1313 to 1373.
• His son, Jean II of Armagnac, ruled from 1373 to 1384.
• Then, Jean III of Armagnac, Jean II's son, ruled from 1384 to 1391.
• Bernard VII of Armagnac, Jean III's brother, was also a very important figure, serving as Constable of France. He ruled from 1391 to 1418.
• His son, Jean IV of Armagnac, ruled from 1418 to 1450.
• Jean V of Armagnac, Jean IV's son, ruled from 1450 to 1473.
• The last count from this line was Charles I of Armagnac, Jean V's brother, who ruled until 1497.

The House of Alençon

• In 1497, the county passed to Charles IV of Alençon, who was a great-nephew of the previous count. He was married to Marguerite of France, who was the sister of King François I of France.

The House of Albret

• From 1527 to 1555, Henry II of Navarre became count. He was also King of Navarre and held many other titles. He was married to Marguerite of France, Charles IV of Alençon's widow.
• His daughter, Jeanne of Albret, became queen of Navarre and countess of Fézensac, ruling from 1555 to 1572.
• Her son, Henry IV of France, who later became King of France and Navarre, held the title from 1572 to 1589.

The House of Guise

• In 1645, the County of Fézensac, along with the County of Armagnac, was given to Henri of Lorraine-Guise.