Ponç Hug IV, Count of Empúries facts for kids
Pons V (also known as Pons Hugh IV) was an important leader in the region of Catalonia, Spain. He was born around 1264 and lived until 1313. Pons V was the Count of Empúries (Ampurias) from 1277 until he died. He was also the Viscount of Bas for a few years, from 1285 to 1291.
Pons V was the son of Hug V of Empúries and Sibila de Palau. After his father passed away, his mother bought the viscounty of Bas in 1280. This was an important area of land.
Early Life and Service
Pons V was a loyal supporter of King Peter III of Aragon. In 1282, he joined the king in a big conflict known as the Aragonese Crusade. This was a war against crusaders who were trying to invade Aragon. Pons V fought bravely on the side of King Peter III.
Because of his good service, Pons V was rewarded. In 1285, he officially became the Viscount of Bas. He also received rights over other lands, including Fernando and Castellfollit de Riubregós.
Adventures in Sicily
Pons V was a skilled leader, even at sea. He became an admiral for James I of Sicily. In 1291, Pons V was in Sicily. While there, he made a deal with his brother, Huguet. Pons V traded the viscounty of Bas to Huguet. In return, Pons V received other important towns like Castellfollit, Montros, and Montagut. The agreement stated that if Huguet had no children, Bas would go back to Pons V's family.
Later that year, James I inherited the crowns of Aragon and Catalonia. Pons V returned with him. However, his brother Huguet stayed behind in Sicily.
Loyalty and Conflict
In 1295, King James signed a peace treaty called the Treaty of Anagni. This treaty ended a long war, the War of the Vespers, between Aragon, France, and the Pope. However, many people in Sicily did not agree with this treaty. They supported James' younger brother, Frederick III.
Frederick III heard that James was preparing to fight him. So, in 1298, Frederick sent a messenger to Catalonia. The messenger, Mountainer Pérez de Sosa, tried to convince local leaders to turn against King James. He carried a special poem with him.
This poem was meant for important people like Pons V. Pons V wrote a reply to Frederick III. In his poem, Pons V praised Frederick's smart actions. But he also clearly stated that he would not abandon his own king, James. This showed Pons V's strong loyalty.
Later Challenges
During the war that followed, Pons V and his soldiers fought with King James's ships. This happened at the Battle of Cape Orlando. Interestingly, his brother Huguet fought on the side of Frederick.
Later, Pons V had a disagreement with King James. He even rebelled against the king. Pons V forced the king's officials out of Empúries. But King James was too powerful. In 1306, Pons V lost the fight and had to obey the king. This was a difficult time for him.
Family Life
In 1281, Pons V married Marquesa de Cabrera. This marriage helped to connect the important families of Cabrera and Empúries.
Marquesa was very interested in stories about battles. A monk named Fra Romeu Sabruguera translated parts of the Bible for her. He turned it into 11,000 verses in Old Catalan. He dedicated this work, called the "Biblia rimada," to Countess Marquesa. He made sure to include many stories about battles, as she enjoyed them. He chose books like the Books of Kings and the Maccabees, which are full of action.
Pons V and Marquesa had three children:
- Hug (who passed away unexpectedly in 1309). He was named as the heir to Empúries.
- Pons VI (born around 1290, died 1322). He became the next Count of Empúries.
- Blancaflor (who died in 1313).
See also
In Spanish: Ponce V de Ampurias para niños
