Gundemaro Pinióliz facts for kids
Gundemaro Pinióliz was an important noble from the Kingdom of León. He lived around the year 1000 and died about 1012. He was the ancestor of a very important family line in Asturias during the Middle Ages. He was also likely the great-grandfather of Jimena Díaz, who was married to the famous hero Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as el Cid.
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Gundemaro's Life and Family
Gundemaro Pinióliz was the son of Piniolo Gundemáriz and Jimena Vélaz. His mother, Jimena, was the daughter of Count Vela Núñez. Gundemaro had several brothers and sisters. His sister Elvira married Vermudo Vélaz. They were the ancestors of another important noble, Count Suero Vermúdez. Gundemaro's uncle, Count Suero, was known for rebelling against the king.
Serving the King
Gundemaro's name often appears in old official documents called medieval charters. These documents show him approving royal papers and family deals. In March 976, he approved a gift from his uncle, Count Fruela Vélaz, to the Cathedral of Oviedo. At that time, he was called Gundimaro Pinioli armiger. This means he was the standard-bearer for King Ramiro III of León, carrying the king's flag in battle.
For about 15 years, Gundemaro worked in the king's court, known as the curia regis. This was a group of important people who advised the king. He served King Bermudo III of León. In March 996, he was first called "Count," which was a very high noble title.
His Properties and Gifts
Count Gundemaro owned many properties in Oviedo. Some he bought, and others were given to him by kings Ramiro and Bermudo. Queen Velasquita Ramírez might have been his godmother. She gave him land when he was baptized. He also owned land and small villages, called villas, in Teverga.
Gundemaro and his wife, Muniadona, gave many gifts to churches and monasteries. They especially supported the Monastery of San Vicente de Oviedo and the cathedral in Oviedo. They also started several monasteries themselves. These included San Miguel de Trevías in the year 1000 and the Monastery of Santa Marina.
Gundemaro's name last appears in old documents on September 29, 1011. He likely died between that date and July 18 of the next year. On that later date, his wife Muniadona made a gift to the cathedral. She mentioned her husband, Gundemaro, saying "in steadfast memory of my husband, Gundemar."
Gundemaro's Family and Children
Gundemaro had two wives. The name of his first wife is not known. They had one child:
- Gontrodo Gundemáriz (died February 1075). Gontrodo was a nun and probably the leader, or abbess, of the Monastery of San Pelayo in Oviedo. In December 1036, her stepmother Muniadona and her half-brother Fernando gave her four monasteries. One of these was San Salvador de Taule. Years later, this monastery caused a legal disagreement between Gundemaro's family and the Cathedral of Oviedo. Gontrodo wrote her will on February 2, 1075, when she was very sick. In her will, she mentioned her father, stepmother, and brother Fernando.
Gundemaro's second wife was Muniadona. They appear together in documents starting in 991. Muniadona was very young when she married Gundemaro. She was still alive in 1045. They had two children:
- Fernando Gundemáriz (died after 1063). In May 1063, Count Fernando gave some villas to the Monastery of San Salvador de Taule. He had received these properties from his parents, Gundemaro and Muniadona. He also got some from his brother Pelayo, who seemed to have died by then. Fernando also gave other villas, including Sierra de la Reina, which Queen Velasquita Ramiréz had given him when he was baptized. Fernando married Muniadona Ordóñez. She was the great-granddaughter of Count Gonzalo Menéndez. Fernando is believed to be the grandfather of Jimena Díaz. Jimena was the wife of the famous hero Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, El Cid.
- Pelayo Gundemáriz (died before 1063).
See also
In Spanish: Gundemaro Pinióliz para niños
