Hugh II, Count of Empúries facts for kids

Hugh II (also known as Hug II in Catalan) was an important leader who lived a long time ago, from about 1035 to 1116. He was the Count of Empúries, a region in what is now Catalonia, Spain. He became Count in 1078 and ruled until he passed away.

Hugh was the oldest son of Ponç I of Empúries. When his father died, Hugh became the Count of Empúries. His brother, Berenguer d'Empúries, was given a different area called the Viscounty of Peralada.

Hugh's Political Life

Hugh II was good at working with other leaders in Catalonia. In 1085, he made a special agreement with his neighbor, Giselbert II of Roussillon. This agreement was an alliance to help each other if they were attacked.

Expedition to the Balearic Islands

Hugh also took part in a big adventure between 1113 and 1115. He joined forces with Ramon Berenguer III, Count of Barcelona. Together, they led an expedition to the Balearic Islands. These islands are in the Mediterranean Sea.

A writer from that time called Hugh a "Catalanicus heros." This means "a Catalan hero."

Religious Life and Journeys

Hugh II had some disagreements with the diocese of Girona, which was a church area. These arguments were about money called "tithes." Tithes were like taxes paid to the church. The dispute was about who should collect these tithes from the church of Santa Maria de Castelló.

Despite these disagreements, Hugh was a religious person. He gave gifts to the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery. He also went on long journeys called pilgrimages. He traveled to Santiago de Compostela and to the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. These were very important religious sites.

Hugh's Family

Hugh II was married to a woman named Sancha. She was the daughter of Ermengol IV of Urgell, another important count. Hugh and Sancha had one child together. Their son, Ponç II, later became the next Count of Empúries after Hugh.

See also

In Spanish: Hugo II de Ampurias para niños