Miro the Elder facts for kids

Miro, also known as Miro the Old or Miro the Elder (in Catalan, Miró el Vell), was an important leader in a region that is now part of France and Spain. He was the count of Conflent from the year 870 and the count of Rosselló (Roussillon) from 878. He held these titles until he passed away in 896.

Miro was the son of Sunifred I, who was also a powerful count of areas like Barcelona, Urgell, Cerdanya, and Besalú. His mother was Ermesende. Miro was also the brother of two other famous figures: Wilfred the Hairy and Radulf of Besalú.

How Miro Became a Count

In 870, Miro received the county of Conflent. He might have gotten it directly from his uncle, Solomon I. Or, it might have been passed to him through his brother Wilfred, who had inherited the counties of Urgell and Cerdanya.

Fighting for More Land

In 876, Miro decided to challenge Bernard, who was a powerful leader called a Margrave in a region known as Gothia. Miro rebelled against Bernard and attacked Rosselló. He had help from his brother Wilfred and Lindoi, who was a viscount (another type of noble) from Narbonne.

Even though Pope John VIII said Miro's invasion was wrong in 878, the king of France, Louis II, still confirmed Miro's new control over Rosselló. This meant Miro officially became the count of Rosselló.

Miro was also a supporter of religious places. He helped the monastery of Saint Andrew of Eixalada. He also supported the monastery of Saint Michael of Cuixà before it was unfortunately destroyed by a flood.

Miro's Family and Legacy

Miro was married to a woman named Quíxol. They had one daughter, Godlana. Godlana later married Bencion, who was the son of Count Sunyer II of Empúries.

Miro died in 896. After his death, the county of Rosselló went to Bencion, under the guidance of Bencion's father, Sunyer. Conflent and other nearby counties that had been connected to Rosselló, like Vallespir, Capcir, and Fenolleda, went to Miro's brother, Wilfred. When Wilfred died, these lands then passed to Miro the Young.

See also