García Sánchez II of Pamplona facts for kids

García Sánchez II (who died around the year 1000) was a powerful ruler. He was the King of Pamplona and Count of Aragon. He ruled from 994 until his death. García was the oldest son of Sancho II of Pamplona and Urraca Fernández. He was the second king from Pamplona to also be the Count of Aragon. Some historians call him "the Tremulous" (meaning "the one who trembles"). But this nickname might have actually been for his grandfather, García Sánchez I of Pamplona.

Life as a King

García Sánchez II's time as king was very busy. His foreign policy, which means how he dealt with other countries, was closely linked to Castile. His mother, Urraca, was an aunt to important people in Castile. These connections helped build a bridge between Pamplona and Castile.

Facing the Caliphate

García and his cousin, Sancho García of Castile, wanted to be free. They did not want to obey the powerful Caliphate of Córdoba anymore. This led to conflicts with Almanzor, a very strong leader from Córdoba.

In 996, García Sánchez II had to go to Córdoba to ask for peace. This showed how powerful Almanzor was. In 997, during a trip into the land of Calatayud, García killed the governor's brother. Almanzor got revenge by executing 50 Christians.

Battle and Legacy

In July 1000, García joined a big battle called the Battle of Cervera. He fought alongside his cousin Sancho and others against Almanzor. Sadly, Almanzor's forces defeated their group. This defeat might have shown that García's power was decreasing.

There is a story that García was one of the Christian leaders at the 1002 Battle of Calatañazor. This battle supposedly led to Almanzor's death. However, there are no official records of García after the year 1000. His cousin, Sancho Ramírez of Viguera, might have been ruling Pamplona in 1002. We know for sure that García was dead by 1004. That is when his son, Sancho Garcés III, became king.

Ruling at Home

At home, García made his brother Gonzalo the ruler of Aragon. His mother, Urraca, helped Gonzalo. There is also a story that García freed all the Muslim captives in his kingdom. This would have been a very kind act for his time.

Family Life

García Sánchez II was married to Jimena Fernández. She was the daughter of Fernando Bermúdez, who was the Count of Cea. Jimena came from a very important noble family in the Kingdom of León.

Children of García Sánchez II

García and Jimena had four children:

• Sancho Garcés III: He became the King of Navarre and Count of Aragon. He ruled from 1004 until his death in 1035.
• Elvira Garcés: She became a nun at the Monastery of Leyre.
• García Garcés: Not much is known about him.
• Urraca Garcés: She became the Queen consort of León. This means she was queen because she married Alfonso V of León. She was queen from 1023 until her death in 1031.

Sources

See also

In Spanish: García Sánchez II de Pamplona para niños