Oliba Cabreta facts for kids

Sarcòfag del comte Oliba Cabreta

Oliba Cabreta (born around 920, died 990) was an important leader in the old lands of Catalonia. He was the count of Cerdanya starting in 965, and later also the count of Besalú from 984. He gave up his titles in 988 to become a monk.

Life of Oliba Cabreta

Oliba Cabreta was the fourth son of Count Miró II and Countess Ava. When his father died in 927, Oliba was still young. His mother, Ava, helped guide him and his brothers.

Becoming a Count

Oliba inherited the county of Cerdanya from his oldest brother, Sunifred II. Later, he also received the county of Besalú from his elder brother, Miró III. This meant he became the leader of these important areas.

During his time as count, Oliba made his lands bigger. He added the regions of Berga and Ripoll to his control. In 979, another count, Roger I of Carcassonne, gave him the area called Capcir. By 984, Oliba was in charge of all the counties that his father had once ruled. This happened because his last brother passed away without any children to inherit.

Travels and Retirement

Oliba Cabreta traveled to Rome twice. The first trip was in 968, and he went with Abbot Garin of Cuixà. His second journey was in 988. This time, he was on his way to Montecassino, a famous monastery in Italy.

When he arrived at Montecassino, Oliba decided to retire from being a count. He chose to live out his days as a monk. Before he left, he divided his lands among his three oldest sons. Bernard received Besalú and Ripoll. Wilfred became the count of Cerdanya. And Oliba, his third son, received Berga. His fourth son, Berengar, became a bishop in the city of Elne.

Oliba also had a daughter named Adelaide. She married John d'Oriol, a lord from Sales. Oliba's wife, Ermengard of Empúries, helped their sons rule the lands after Oliba retired. He lived in Italy until he passed away in 990.

Oliba Cabreta's Children

Oliba Cabreta had several children:

• Bernard I, Count of Besalú (died 1020)
• Wifred II, Count of Cerdanya (born around 970, died 1050)
• Abbot Oliba (born around 971, died 1046)
• Berengar, who became the bishop of Elne
• Adelaida, who married John d'Oriol

See also

In Spanish: Oliba Cabreta para niños