Nuño Fernández facts for kids

Nuño Fernández was an important nobleman in the Kingdom of León a long time ago, around the years 920 to 927. He was a "count," which was like a powerful leader in charge of a specific area. Nuño was the count of two important regions: Burgos and Castile, located in the eastern part of the kingdom.

Who Was Nuño Fernández?

Nuño Fernández was likely the brother of Gonzalo Fernández. Gonzalo was also a count of Burgos and Castile until at least 915. It seems Nuño took over as count of Burgos after his brother. However, another count named Fernando was in charge of Castile in 917.

There was also a count named Rodrigo Fernández mentioned in a document from 926. He might have been Nuño's younger brother, but we don't know much more about him.

Helping to Settle New Lands

According to old records called the Anales Castellanos Primeros, King García I of León had a big plan in 912. He asked three counts to help "repopulate" or resettle lands in southern Castile. These lands went all the way down to the river Duero.

The counts involved were Gonzalo Téllez, Munio Núñez, and Gonzalo Fernández (Nuño's likely brother). It's very probable that Nuño also helped with this important project. Gonzalo was responsible for setting up towns like Aza, Clunia, and San Esteban.

Some historians think that Gonzalo and Nuño might have helped remove King Alfonso III from power in 910. This would have helped King García I become king instead.

A Conflict with the King

In 920, Nuño and two other counts, Fernando Ansúrez and Abolmóndar Albo, along with Abolmóndar's son Diego, went against King Ordoño II. The king wanted them to join a war to defend the kingdom against the Caliphate of Córdoba. But they refused to go.

Because of this, King Ordoño II called them to a place called Tebular, near the river Carrión. There, he had them put in prison.

Nuño's Counties

When Nuño was put in prison, he was already a count. However, the old documents don't say which county he was in charge of at that exact time. It was probably Burgos.

The oldest document that clearly calls him the count of Burgos is from September 13, 922. This was after he was released from prison. Another document from February 25, 926, shows that Nuño had also become the count of Castile sometime after 922. This was during the rule of King Alfonso IV.

A document from March 26, 927, talks about a court case involving a monastery in the port of Santoña. This document says it was from the time of Count Nuño and King Alfonso Fróilaz. This King Alfonso was a cousin of Alfonso IV and seemed to be ruling the northern part of the kingdom with his cousin's support.

What Happened Next?

Nuño Fernández is not mentioned in any records after 927. He was replaced as count of Castile by Fernando Ansúrez, who was in power by October 1, 929, at the latest.

The next known count of Burgos was Gutier Núñez, who is mentioned on March 1, 931. Gutier Núñez was probably Nuño's son and took over from him. This means that the counties of Burgos and Castile, which had been separated after Gonzalo's death, were brought together again under Nuño. Then, they were divided once more after Nuño's death.

See also

In Spanish: Nuño Fernández para niños