Hugh I, Count of Empúries facts for kids

Hugh I (also known as Hugo in Spanish or Hug in Catalan) was an important ruler in the medieval period. He was born around 965 and passed away in 1040. From the year 991, he held the title of Count of Empúries, a region in what is now northeastern Spain. Hugh was the son of Gausfred I and his first wife, Ava. Ava was the daughter of Raymond II of Rouergue.

Becoming Count of Empúries

Hugh's father, Gausfred I, made a will in 969. In this will, he decided how his lands would be divided between his sons. Hugh was set to receive the county of Ampurias. His brother, Giselbert, was to receive the county of Roussillon. This division of land happened after their father Gausfred passed away.

Conflicts and Peace

When his brother Giselbert died in 1014, Hugh tried to take control of both counties. He invaded the land of his nephew, Gausfred II. However, Gausfred II received help from Bernard I of Besalú and the important church leader, Abbot Oliva. Thanks to their efforts, Hugh and Gausfred II reached a peace agreement in 1020. This stopped the fighting between them.

Trouble with Neighbors and the Church

Hugh I was known for causing problems for his neighbors. He often bothered the people living near his county. For example, Ermesinde of Carcassonne, who was the widow of Ramon Borrell, Count of Barcelona, had a dispute with Hugh. She wanted back a piece of land called an allod (a type of property owned freely). This land, located in Ullastrell, had been sold by her late husband. Hugh later took control of it.

In 1019, a special meeting of church and legal leaders took place in Girona. This meeting was called a judicial synod. It was led by Abbot Oliva and Bernard. They decided that the land in Ullastrell should be returned to Ermesinde. Around the same time, Hugh also upset the church. He took over the monastery of San Salvador de Verdera, which was a religious building.