Ordoño Ramírez facts for kids

Ordoño Ramírez, also known as "the Blind," was born around 981 and passed away before 1024. He was an important figure in the history of the Kingdom of León. Ordoño was the son of Ramiro III of León, who was a king, and his mother was Sancha Gómez. His grandparents included Sancho I of León and Queen Teresa Ansúrez. On his mother's side, his grandparents were Gómez Díaz, who was a Count, and Countess Muniadona Fernández.

Life of Ordoño Ramírez

Ordoño Ramírez lived in Asturias, a region in northern Spain. Historical records show him appearing in important documents between 1014 and 1017. During this time, he confirmed two official papers issued by King Alfonso V of León.

Some historians, like Margarita Torres, believe that Ordoño may have been involved in conflicts. These conflicts were between King Bermudo II of León and a powerful family known as the Banu Gómez. The Banu Gómez family might have supported Ordoño's claim to the throne. This is because Ordoño was the nephew of García Gómez, who became the leader of the Banu Gómez family.

Ordoño Ramírez died sometime after 1017, which is the last time he appears in official records. He passed away before March 31, 1024. On that date, his wife, Cristina, stated that she was a widow. She then made a donation to help establish the Monastery of Cornellana.

Family and Descendants

Ordoño Ramírez likely married Cristina Bermúdez sometime after the year 1000 and before 1016. Cristina was a princess, the daughter of King Bermudo II of León and Queen Velasquita Ramírez.

This marriage was probably arranged by Velasquita and Ordoño's grandmother, Teresa Ansúrez. Both women were living in the Monastery of San Pelayo in Oviedo at the time.

The children of Ordoño and Cristina started a very important family line. This family, known as the Ordóñez lineage, became very powerful in Asturias during the 11th century. Ordoño and Cristina had several children:

• Alfonso Ordóñez passed away in 1057. He died during a battle known as the siege of Lamego. Alfonso was married to a woman named Fronilde. They had two daughters together, Cristina and Enderquina Alfonso. Alfonso Ordóñez is buried at the Monastery of Cornellana. This monastery was founded by his mother, Cristina.

• Aldonza (or Ildoncia) Ordóñez lived until after 1056. She married Count Pelayo Froilaz, who was also called "the Deacon." Pelayo was the son of Count Froila Jimenez. He was also the nephew of Count Piniolo Jiménez, who founded the Monastery of San Juan Bautista de Corias. Aldonza and Pelayo had at least seven children. Their children included Munio, Pedro, Ordoño, María, and Teresa. Another daughter, Elvira, passed away before her mother. Some historians also believe they might have been the parents of Countess Jimena Peláez. Jimena was married to Bermudo Ovéquiz. They were the parents of the very influential Count Suero Vermúdez.

• Ordoño Ordóñez lived until after 1073. He was a very important nobleman and a military leader, known as an alférez, for King Ferdinand I of León and Castile. King Ferdinand trusted him to govern the town of Palenzuela. Ordoño was married to a woman named Enderquina. Some historians think he might have been the father of Count García Ordóñez. Another daughter, María Ordóñez, married Álvar Díaz de Oca. Their descendants include the counts of Noreña (also called Noronha in Portuguese). This family line also includes Gontrodo Pérez, who was a mistress of King Alfonso VII of León. Gontrodo and King Alfonso VII were the parents of Urraca of Castile, Queen of Navarre.

• Pelaya Ordóñez, also known as "Doña Palla," was married to a nobleman named Bermudo Armentáriz. Bermudo founded the Church of Santa María de Otur in Asturias. Pelaya and Bermudo were the parents of Martín Bermúdez.

The information about Ordoño and Cristina's children comes from several sources. One source is the chronicle written by Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada about King Bermudo II. This information also matches details found in various official documents from several monasteries in Asturias. It also matches records from the Cathedral of Oviedo.

See also

In Spanish: Ordoño Ramírez el Ciego para niños