Ramon Berenguer IV facts for kids
Ramon Berenguer IV (also known as Raymond Berengar) was the name of two important leaders from a long time ago. They both played big roles in the history of Europe.
They were:
- Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Barcelona (around 1114–1162)
- Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Provence (1198–1245)
Contents
Ramon Berenguer IV: Count of Barcelona
Ramon Berenguer IV was a powerful ruler who lived from about 1114 to 1162. He was the Count of Barcelona, a very important region in what is now Spain. He is best known for uniting Barcelona with the Kingdom of Aragon. This was a huge step in creating a bigger, stronger kingdom.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Ramon Berenguer IV became Count of Barcelona in 1131, when he was still quite young. His family, the House of Barcelona, had been ruling the area for a long time. They were known for their strength and for expanding their lands.
The Union with Aragon
One of Ramon Berenguer IV's most famous actions was his marriage to Petronilla of Aragon in 1137. Petronilla was the Queen of Aragon. Their marriage created a new political union called the Crown of Aragon. This was not a full merger of the two lands, but it meant they would be ruled by the same family. It made the combined lands much more powerful.
Expanding the Realm
Ramon Berenguer IV was also a skilled military leader. He fought against the Moors, who were Muslim rulers in southern Spain. He helped to conquer new territories, including the city of Tortosa in 1148 and Lleida in 1149. These victories were important for expanding Christian rule in the Iberian Peninsula. He also helped in the conquest of Majorca.
Legacy of Ramon Berenguer IV
Ramon Berenguer IV died in 1162. His son, Alfonso II, became the first King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona. The union he created lasted for centuries and became one of the most important kingdoms in medieval Europe. He is remembered as a wise ruler who brought stability and growth to his lands.
Ramon Berenguer IV: Count of Provence
Ramon Berenguer IV, Count of Provence, lived later, from 1198 to 1245. He was a different person from the Count of Barcelona, but they shared the same name. Provence was a region in what is now southeastern France. He was known for his four daughters, who all became queens.
Family and Royal Connections
Ramon Berenguer IV of Provence was part of the House of Barcelona, just like the earlier Count. His father was Alfonso II of Provence. Ramon Berenguer IV married Beatrice of Savoy. They had a very famous family, especially their daughters.
The Four Queens
His four daughters were:
- Margaret, who married King Louis IX of France.
- Eleanor, who married King Henry III of England.
- Sanchia, who married Richard, Earl of Cornwall, who was King Henry III's brother.
- Beatrice, who married Charles I of Anjou, who became King of Sicily.
These marriages were very important. They connected the Count of Provence's family to some of the most powerful royal families in Europe. This showed how influential Ramon Berenguer IV and his family were.
Ruling Provence
Ramon Berenguer IV ruled Provence for many years. He was known for being a good leader who brought peace and order to his region. He also supported arts and culture, making his court a place where poets and artists were welcome. He helped to make Provence a rich and important area.
Death and Succession
Ramon Berenguer IV died in 1245. Because he had no sons, his youngest daughter, Beatrice, inherited Provence. This was unusual for the time, as lands usually passed to sons. Her husband, Charles of Anjou, then became the Count of Provence.
See also
pt:Ramón Berenguer IV
