Nuño Sánchez facts for kids
Nuño Sánchez (born around 1185 – died 1242) was an important nobleman and leader in the Crown of Aragon. He was known for his skills in politics and his bravery in battle.
Nuño was the son of Sancho, who was a Count of Provence, Roussillon, and Cerdagne. His mother was Sancha Núñez from the House of Lara. In 1185, his father lost control of Provence. However, he kept Roussillon and Cerdagne until he died in 1223. Nuño took over these lands as early as 1212. King Peter II of Aragon officially gave him control of them that same year. His full Latin title meant "Nuño Sánchez, by the grace of God lord of Roussillon, Vallespir, Conflent, and Cerdagne."
Contents
A Young Leader's Journey
Nuño's official title didn't help King Peter II much. Nuño arrived too late to help at the Battle of Muret in 1213, where King Peter died. After this, Nuño and his father became regents for Peter's young son, James I. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young or unable to rule.
In 1215, Nuño's father arranged for him to marry Peronella, the daughter of Bernard IV of Bigorre. But this marriage was canceled by Pope Honorius III the very next year, in 1216.
When James I became old enough to rule in 1223, Nuño's father died. Nuño then became a main advisor to King James I. He helped the king with important matters, especially concerning the area of Béarn.
New Lands and New Adventures
By 1225, Nuño was tired of the politics in Aragon. He started looking for other interests. In 1226, he bought two areas called Fenouillèdes and Peyrepertuse from King Louis VIII of France. He then showed his loyalty to the French king for these new lands.
In 1229, Nuño was asked to join an important trip to conquer Majorca. This was a big moment for him, showing he was back in favor with the Aragonese court. The leaders of Aragon had wanted to take Majorca from the Almoravids for a long time.
Majorca finally surrendered in 1234. Nuño received a lot of land there as a reward. After this, he started using the title of "count" much more often.
Later Life and Legacy
Later in his life, Nuño joined King James I on military trips. They went to Navarre and Valencia, which was conquered in 1238.
In 1220, Nuño had married Teresa López. They did not have any children. Because of this, when Nuño died in late 1241 or early 1242, his lands and titles went back to the king. This is called "escheat."
A poet called Aimeric de Belenoi, who was a troubadour, wrote a sad song (a planh) about Nuño's death. This showed that Nuño was known for being polite, honorable, and brave, which were important qualities in the age of chivalry.
Nuño Sánchez was buried in a hospital in Bajoles, near Perpignan. The hospital no longer exists. He also had a son who was born outside of marriage, known as the "Bastard of Roussillon." This son bravely defended the city of Elne from the French during the Aragonese Crusade in 1284.
Sources
- Bisson, Thomas N. The Medieval Crown of Aragon: A Short History. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1986. ISBN: 0-19-821987-3.
| Preceded by Sancho |
Count of Roussillon and Cerdagne 1212–1242 |
Succeeded by James I |
See also
In Spanish: Nuño Sánchez para niños
