Raymond IV of Pallars Jussà facts for kids
Raymond IV (also known as Ramon or Reimundus) was an important leader, the Count of Pallars Jussà, from 1047 until he passed away in 1098. He was the son of Raymond III and Ermessenda. His time as count was full of wars and disagreements with his cousins, Artau I and Artau II of Pallars Sobirà. However, he also brought new ways of leading to Pallars. During his rule, the areas of Pallars Jussà included Vilamur, Bellera, and Orcau.
We know a lot about Raymond IV's time as count because he was one of the first to use written agreements. This helped keep good records. A scribe named Vidal, who had worked for his father and father-in-law, helped him with this.
Becoming a Powerful Leader
Early in his rule, Raymond asked everyone in his land to make a special promise, called a collective oath. He said his father and uncle had done this before. This action reminded people of how counts used to lead in older times. He even had people renew this promise later on.
In 1055, Raymond married Valença, who was the daughter of Arnau Mir de Tost. He gave her father four castles as a promise to keep the oaths he had made for her hand in marriage. Valença often worked with Raymond on important documents and agreements.
Around 1056–1057, Raymond and Valença gave their control over the castle of Orcau to Ramon Mir and his wife Maria. Later, in 1088, they renewed this agreement with Ramon Mir's son, Tedball Ramon. Some historians think these actions show that Raymond might have been weak compared to his powerful followers. He was even forced out of power for a short time, but he managed to get it back by the early 1070s.
Raymond and Valença had three sons: Pere Ramon, Arnau Ramon, and Bernat Ramon. The two oldest sons ruled together after Raymond. Later, their brother Bernat took over and ruled until 1124.
Raymond also took part in the Reconquista, which was the effort to take back lands from Muslim rule. He promised villages and castles in the Vallferrera area to two men, Orset and Drogo, after these lands were recaptured.
Disputes with His Cousins
In 1064, Raymond and his cousin Artau I made their first agreement. This deal meant a castle went to Raymond as a promise for future talks. A second agreement in 1067 saw Artau give the monastery of Santa Maria de Lavaix to Raymond. He also gave up his claim to several villages.
Around 1080, Raymond made more agreements with either Artau I or Artau II (Artau I died around 1081). To make sure these agreements were kept, Raymond gave control of the castle of Talarn to two of his main leaders. Artau did the same with his castle of Salás for two of his men. Both castles were close to each other, on opposite sides of the Noguera Pallaresa river, which was the border between their lands.
The final agreement and exchange of castles happened with Sancho Ramírez, the King of Aragon, present. On July 20, 1094, Raymond gave Llimiana and Mur to Artau II as fiefs (lands held in exchange for loyalty). He also gave him Castellet, Claverol, and Vall d'Escós as allods (lands owned completely).
In September 1097, Raymond gained protection and payments for Castellet from Ramon Mir and Ramon Arnau. It's not clear if Castellet was taken back from Artau II through a treaty or by force. Raymond also had conflicts with Ermengol III of Urgell, who had been his father's enemy. However, Raymond could not stop the Conca de Tremp area from being taken over by Urgell.
See also
In Spanish: Ramón IV de Pallars Jussá para niños
