Munio Vélaz facts for kids

Munio Vélaz (also spelled Vigílaz) was an important leader in a part of what is now northern Spain. He lived a long time ago, in the early 900s. Munio was known as the Count of Álava, and he might have also been the Lord of Biscay. These areas were like small kingdoms or regions back then.

We don't know the exact years he was in charge. But one old document, from May 18, 919, clearly calls him the Count in Álava. He was a count between two other counts, Gonzalo Téllez and Fernando Díaz. Counts like Munio helped govern the eastern border areas for the kingdom of León.

Who Was Count Munio Vélaz?

Munio Vélaz was a powerful count in the early 10th century. His job was to rule and protect the region of Álava. This area was an important borderland for the kingdom of León. Counts were like governors or regional leaders. They managed the land and people for the king.

His Family Name and Possible Father

Munio's last name, Vélaz or Vigílaz, tells us something important. It means his father's name was Vela. This was a common way to form surnames back then. We don't have many records about Munio's family. But some historians think he might have been the son of Vela Jiménez. Vela Jiménez was also a count of Álava. He was involved in some important battles around 882–883.

Important Events and Places During His Rule

Only one main document tells us about Munio Vélaz as a count. This document is from May 18, 919. It describes Munio overseeing a legal case. The case was between a monastery of Valpuesta and a church called Santa María del Puerto. The argument was about some land in a place called Espejo, in Álava.

Areas Under His Control

The document from 919 helps us understand the areas Munio ruled. It says the event happened during the reign of "lord Ordoño in León and count Munio Vélaz in Álava." This suggests that many places were part of his county. These places likely included Valpuesta, the castle of Lantarón, and several valleys. Some of these valleys were Losa, Mena, and Tobalina. Other towns like Cellorigo, Grañón, and Cerezo might have also been under his control.

Munio's Wife and Children

An old document called the Códice de Roda gives us more clues about Munio's family. It says that a noblewoman named Velasquita was his wife. Velasquita was the daughter of King Sancho I of Pamplona. She was described as the wife of "Lord Munio," the Count of Biscay. It is very likely that this "Lord Munio" was the same person as Munio Vélaz, the Count of Álava.

His Children and Later Life

Munio and Velasquita had four children together. Their names were Aznar Muñoz, Lope Muñoz, Sancho Muñoz, and a daughter also named Velasquita. Munio Vélaz passed away before the year 931. He probably died not long after that document from 919. His wife, Velasquita Sánchez, lived longer than him. She later married two more times.