Muniadona of Castile facts for kids

Muniadona of Castile (born around 995, died 1066) was an important queen. She was also known as Mayor or Munia. She became Queen of Pamplona in 1011. This happened when she married King Sancho Garcés III. Her husband later gained more lands, like Ribagorza and Castile. He did this because Muniadona had family rights to these areas.

Muniadona's Life and Legacy

Early Life and Marriage

Muniadona was the oldest daughter of Sancho García, the Count of Castile. Her mother was Urraca. Muniadona married King Sancho Garcés III of Pamplona before June 27, 1011. On that date, they both confirmed special rights for the Monastery of San Millán.

How She Gained Lands

Muniadona's family connections helped her husband gain more power and land. This was called "dynastic rights."

In 1017, a ruler named William Isarn, Count of Ribagorza, was killed. He had no children to inherit his land. Muniadona had a strong claim to this land through her grandmother. So, King Sancho III used his wife's rights. His troops took control of half of Ribagorza. Later, in 1025, Muniadona gained even more of this county. She even started using the name Mayor, possibly to show this new connection.

Again, in 1028, Muniadona's family rights were important. Her brother, Count García Sánchez of Castile, was killed. Since Muniadona was his oldest sister, King Sancho III took control of Castile. Their son, Ferdinand Sánchez, became the new count of Castile in 1029.

Later Life and Will

Muniadona lived longer than her husband and most of her children. She probably outlived all but her daughter Jimena. After her husband died in 1035, Muniadona founded a special place. It was the monastery of San Martín de Tours de Frómista.

Monastery of San Martín de Tours de Frómista, where Muniadona was buried.

In her will, written on June 13, 1066, she asked to be buried there. She likely died soon after writing her will. Her will also shared her wealth. She gave horses to people who had borrowed them. She also freed people who had converted to Christianity. She gave land and other items to the monastery she founded. She also divided her animals among different churches.

Muniadona's Children

Muniadona and King Sancho Garcés had several children:

• García Sánchez III, known as "the one from Nájera". He became King of Pamplona from 1035. He married Stephanie of Foix.
• Fernando Sánchez. He became King of León. He married Sancha of León.
• Gonzalo Sánchez. He was a ruler of Sobrarbe and Ribagorza.
• Jimena Sánchez. She became queen consort of León. She married Bermudo III.

See also

In Spanish: Muniadona de Castilla para niños