Elvira of Castile, Queen of León facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elvira García of Castile |
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| Born | c. 978 |
| Died | 1017 |
| Spouse | Bermudo II of León |
| Father | García Fernández of Castile |
| Mother | Ava de Ribagorza |
Elvira García (born around 978, died 1017) was a powerful queen in the Kingdom of León. She became Queen by marrying King Bermudo II of León. After her husband died, she served as a regent for her young son, Alfonso V of León. She shared this important role with Count Menendo González from 999 until 1008.
Early Life and Marriage
We don't know the exact year Elvira was born. It was likely around 978. She wasn't listed with her older sisters in a special document from that year. This suggests she was born just before or after it.
Elvira married King Bermudo II of León in late November 991. They started appearing together in official royal documents in 992. This marriage was very important. It happened after King Bermudo ended his first marriage. Their union created a strong alliance between the Kingdom of León and the County of Castile. This made the Leonese crown much stronger.
Queen and Regent
King Bermudo II died in September 999. His son, Prince Alfonso, was still a child. He became king by October 13 of that year. Queen Elvira became his main guardian and helper. She ruled alongside Count Menendo González.
In 1004, Elvira's brother, Count Sancho García of Castile, tried to take over the role of guardian for young King Alfonso. He wanted to replace Count Menendo. To avoid a fight, they asked for help from a powerful leader in Córdoba. This leader decided that Count Menendo should continue to be the king's guardian. Menendo remained in this role until he died in October 1008. After that, King Alfonso V began to rule on his own.
Later Years and Death
King Alfonso V and his uncle, Count Sancho García, had a good relationship for a while. However, things changed around 1014. A noble named Munio Fernández rebelled against the king. It seemed he had King Sancho's support. This disagreement led Queen Elvira to move away from the court. She went to Oviedo.
Queen Elvira was last seen in an official document on August 18, 1017. She and her son made a gift to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. She passed away in the autumn of 1017. Queen Elvira was buried in the Pantheon of the Kings. This special burial place is at the Basilica of San Isidoro in León.
Children
Elvira and King Bermudo II had three children:
- Alfonso V of León, who became king.
- Sancha Bermúdez, who lived in Galicia.
- Teresa Bermúdez (died April 25, 1039). She became a nun, likely at the Monastery of San Pelayo in Oviedo. She made gifts to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
See also
In Spanish: Elvira García para niños
