María Rodríguez de Vivar facts for kids

María Rodríguez (born around 1080, died around 1105) was an important noblewoman in medieval Spain. She was the wife of the Count of Barcelona, which made her a countess.

María was the daughter of two famous people: Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, often called El Cid Campeador, and Jimena Díaz. El Cid was a legendary knight and military leader.

María's Marriage and Family

Stories about María's father, El Cid, tell of his daughters marrying noblemen. One famous legend, found in the poem Cantar de Mio Cid, describes his daughters marrying the "Infantes de Carrión." These stories say the Infantes treated the daughters badly. However, the "Infantes de Carrión" are mostly characters from a legend, not real historical figures.

María herself had a real historical marriage. She married Ramon Berenguer III, Count of Barcelona, who was a powerful ruler. When she married him, María brought a special gift called a dowry. Her dowry included Tizona, an ancient sword. This sword had once belonged to the early Counts of Urgell. It was lost by Berenguer Ramon II, Count of Barcelona in a battle before María received it.

María and Ramon Berenguer III had one daughter:

• María of Barcelona, who later became the countess of Besalú.

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