Douce I, Countess of Provence facts for kids

Douce I (also known as Dulcia or Dolça) was an important countess who lived a long time ago, from about 1090 to 1127. She was the daughter of Gilbert I of Gévaudan and Gerberga of Provence. Douce became the wife of Ramon Berenguer III, Count of Barcelona.

In 1112, Douce inherited the county of Provence from her mother. She married Ramon Berenguer in Arles on February 3 of that same year. This marriage was a very important event for the history of the region.

Douce's Influence and Lands

In 1113, Douce gave her rights to the lands of Provence, Gévaudan, and the viscounty of Millau to her husband. This meant that her husband, Ramon Berenguer, gained control over these areas.

Some historians believed that this marriage helped bring Provençal culture, including its famous troubadours (poet-musicians), into Catalonia. It was also seen by some as the start of a big plan to unite different lands on both sides of the Pyrenees mountains. This plan was sometimes called l'engrandiment occitànic, meaning the "Occitan expansion."

Conflicts and Legacy

The marriage of Douce and Ramon Berenguer gave the House of Barcelona (Ramon's family) a lot of influence in a region called Occitania. This led to conflicts with the Counts of Toulouse, who also wanted control over parts of Provence.

To solve these disagreements, a deal was made in 1125. Provence was divided between the two powerful families. This happened shortly before Douce's death.

Douce's death caused a period of trouble and instability in Provence. A younger branch of the House of Barcelona was set up to rule the area. However, there was a disagreement over who should be the next ruler. This led to a series of wars known as the Baussenque Wars (1144–1162). Eventually, Douce's children and their families won these wars.

Douce's Children

Douce and Ramon Berenguer had several children:

• Almodis, who married Ponce de Cervera.
• Berenguela (1116–1149), who married Alfonso VII of Castile.
• Ramon Berenguer (1113–1162), who became the Count of Barcelona.
• Berenguer Ramon (around 1115–1144), who became the Count of Provence.
• Bernard, who died when he was young.

See also

In Spanish: Dulce de Provenza para niños