Sunifred, Count of Barcelona facts for kids

Sunifred was an important leader in the 800s. He was a Count of Urgell and Cerdanya from 834 to 848. Later, he also became the Count of Barcelona and many other areas in what is now Spain and France, including Ausona, Besalú, Girona, Narbonne, Agde, Béziers, Lodève, Melgueil, Conflent, and Nîmes, from 844 until his death in 848.

Becoming a Count

Sunifred might have been the son or, more likely, the son-in-law of Belló, a Count from Carcassonne. In 834, Louis the Pious, the Holy Roman Emperor, made Sunifred the Count of Urgell and Cerdanya. At that time, these areas were controlled by Aznar Galíndez I, who was an ally of the Banu Qasi family. Sunifred worked hard to take control, conquering Cerdanya in 835 and Urgell three years later in 838.

Loyalty and Battles

After Emperor Louis the Pious died in 840, there were many fights over who would rule. Bernard of Septimania, who was the Count of Barcelona and many other places, supported Pepin II of Aquitaine. However, Sunifred, his brother Sunyer I, and their sons (sometimes called the Bellonid family) chose to support Charles the Bald.

In 841, a group called the Moors attacked Barcelona. They then marched towards Narbonne, passing through Cerdanya. Sunifred bravely stopped their advance in a battle. This victory certainly made Charles the Bald respect Sunifred a lot.

Gaining More Lands

In 844, Charles the Bald took back Toulouse from Pepin II. He also captured Bernard of Septimania and had him executed. Because Sunifred had been so loyal, Charles gave him Bernard's important titles and lands, including Barcelona, Girona, and the march of Gothia. Sunifred also gained more territory when Conflent came under his rule after Bera II died.

Later Years and Death

During his time as count, Sunifred kept his distance from William of Septimania, who was Bernard's son. William had started a rebellion against Charles the Bald in 844. In 848, Pepin II named William the Count of Toulouse and Empúries. William quickly moved to remove Sunifred and his brother Sunyer from power. Both brothers died in 848, and William took over some of their counties. It is believed that Sunifred died from natural causes, but how Sunyer died is not known.

Family

Sunifred I was married to Ermesende. They had three children:

• Wilfred the Hairy (died 897)
• Radulf of Besalú (died 920)
• Miro the Elder (died 896)

See also

In Spanish: Sunifredo I para niños