Jimena Muñoz facts for kids

Non-contemporary portrayal of Jimena Muñoz from the 16th-century Liber genealogiae regum Hispanie

Jimena Muñoz (died 1128) was a noblewoman from the El Bierzo region in the old Kingdom of León. She was a partner of King Alfonso VI of León and Castile in the late 1070s and early 1080s. With him, she had two daughters who became countesses. One of her daughters was the grandmother of Afonso I, who became the first king of Portugal.

Jimena's Life and Family

Historians have studied Jimena's family background a lot. Her last name, Muñoz, means her father's name was Munio. Old writings describe her as "very noble."

Some historians believe her father was Munio Rodríguez, a count. Others think she was the daughter of Count Munio González and his wife Mayor. This shows that even for important historical figures, sometimes their exact family tree can be a mystery!

Jimena was connected to Bishop Pedro of Astorga, who was removed from his position in the early 1070s. She gave money to the San Pedro monastery and the Astorga Cathedral.

Jimena and King Alfonso VI became partners between his first and second marriages. She likely left the royal court after her younger daughter was born and the king married Constance of Burgundy. King Alfonso later made Jimena the administrator of Castillo de Cornatel in El Bierzo. She held this important role from 1093 to 1108. Jimena Muñoz died in 1128.

Jimena's Burial Place

Epitaph of Jimena Muñoz, now in the Museo de León.

Jimena was buried in the San Andrés monastery, located in Vega de Espinareda in the El Bierzo region of León. Her original tombstone is now kept at the Museo de León in that city.

Jimena's Children

Jimena Muñoz and King Alfonso VI had two daughters. Both of them married important counts.

• Elvira Alfónsez (born around 1079 – died after April 1157). She first married Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse. Later, she married Count Fernando Fernández de Carrión.
• Teresa Alfónsez (born around 1080 – died 11 November 1130). She married Henry, Count of Portugal. They were given the right to rule the County of Portugal. Their oldest son, Afonso Henriques, became the first king of Portugal.

See also

In Spanish: Jimena Muñoz para niños