Ramon Berenguer III, Count of Barcelona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ramon Berenguer III |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Ramon Berenguer in the late 12th-century Liber feudorum maior | |
|
|
|
| Reign | 1086–1131 |
| Predecessor | Berenguer Ramon II |
| Successor | Ramon Berenguer IV |
| Spouse(s) | María Rodríguez de Vivar Almodis Douce I of Provence |
| Issue | |
| María Jimena or Eixemena Almodis Berenguela or Berengaria Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona Berenguer Ramon I, Count of Provence |
|
| Noble family | Barcelona |
| Father | Ramon Berenguer II |
| Mother | Maud of Apulia |
| Born | 11 November 1082 Rodez, Viscounty of Rodez |
| Died | 23 January/19 July 1131
(aged 48) |
| Burial | Santa Maria de Ripoll |
Ramon Berenguer III, also known as the Great, was an important ruler in the Middle Ages. He was born on November 11, 1082, and died in 1131. He was the Count of several regions, including Barcelona, Girona, and Ausona. He also became the Count of Besalú and Cerdanya. Later, he ruled Provence in the Holy Roman Empire. Ramon Berenguer III helped expand the lands controlled by Barcelona and made important alliances.
Contents
Early Life and Becoming Count
Ramon Berenguer III was born in Rodez, which was part of Francia at the time. His father was Ramon Berenguer II. When his father died, Ramon Berenguer III began to rule alongside his uncle, Berenguer Ramon II.
In 1097, his uncle was forced to leave, and Ramon Berenguer III became the sole ruler. This was an important step in his journey as a powerful count.
Expanding His Lands and Power
Ramon Berenguer III faced challenges from the Almoravids, who were raiding his lands. In 1102, he fought back with the help of Ermengol V, Count of Urgell. Sadly, they were defeated in the battle of Mollerussa, and Ermengol was killed.
Despite this setback, Ramon Berenguer III worked to make his territories bigger. He used marriages and agreements to bring almost all the Catalan counties under his control. The only ones he didn't rule were Urgell and Peralada.
He inherited the counties of Besalú in 1111 and Cerdanya in 1117. In 1112, he married Douce, who was the heiress of Provence. This marriage meant his lands now stretched all the way to Nice in the east.
Adventures Across the Sea
Ramon Berenguer III also made friends with powerful Italian cities like Pisa and Genoa. These cities were known for their strong navies.
With Pisa's help, he attacked the Muslim-controlled islands of Majorca and Ibiza in 1114 and 1115. These islands then had to pay him tribute, and many Christian slaves were freed. He also raided other Muslim areas on the mainland, such as Valencia, Lleida, and Tortosa.
In 1116, Ramon Berenguer III traveled to Rome to ask Pope Paschal II for help. He wanted to start a special religious war, called a crusade, to free Tarragona. By 1118, he had captured and rebuilt Tarragona. It became a very important church center for Catalonia.
In 1127, he signed a trade agreement with the people of Genoa. This helped his lands become richer through trade.
Family and Legacy
Towards the end of his life, on July 14, 1130, Ramon Berenguer III became a member of the Templars. This was a famous group of warrior monks.
He divided his lands between his two sons. His eldest son, Ramon Berenguer IV, received the five Catalan counties. His younger son, Berenguer Ramon, received Provence.
Ramon Berenguer III died in 1131 and was buried at the Santa Maria de Ripoll monastery.
He had several children from his marriages:
- With his first wife, María Rodríguez de Vivar:
- María, who married Bernat III, Count of Besalú.
- With his third wife, Douce:
- Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona (born 1113 or 1114), who married Petronilla of Aragon.
- Berenguer Ramon I, Count of Provence (born around 1115).
- Bernat, who died young.
- Berenguela (born 1116), who married Alfonso VII of Castile.
- Jimena (born 1117), who married Roger III, Count of Foix.
- Estefania (born 1118), who married Centule II, Count of Bigorre.
- Almodis, who married Ponce de Cervera.
Ramon Berenguer III was a powerful and important ruler who greatly expanded the lands and influence of Barcelona during his time.
See also
In Spanish: Ramón Berenguer III para niños
