Sunyer, Count of Barcelona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sunyer, Count of Barcelona |
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| Sunyer, Count of Barcelona | |
| Spouse(s) | Richilda of Toulouse |
| Issue | |
| Ermengol Miro, Count of Barcelona Borrell II, Count of Barcelona Adelaide/Bonafilla Wifred |
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| Noble family | House of Barcelona |
| Father | Wilfred the Hairy |
| Mother | Guinidilda |
| Born | c. 870 |
| Died | 950 |
Sunyer (born around 870, died 950) was an important leader who held the title of Count. He ruled the areas of Barcelona, Girona, and Ausona from 911 to 947.
Contents
Sunyer's Early Life and Family
Sunyer was the son of a famous leader named Wilfred the Hairy. He was also the younger brother of Wilfred II Borrel, who was the Count of Barcelona before him.
After his father died in 897, Sunyer worked closely with his brother to govern their lands. He didn't become an independent ruler until his brother passed away in 911.
Family Challenges and Marriage
When his uncle, Count Radulf I of Besalú, died around 913 or 920, a disagreement started. Sunyer and his brother, Count Miró II of Cerdanya, both wanted control of the County of Besalú. To solve this, Sunyer agreed to give up his claim on Besalú. In return, he gained full control of the County of Barcelona.
Sunyer got married by 917 to a woman named Richilda of Toulouse. They had four sons and one daughter: Ermengol, Miró, Borrell, Adelaide (who was also called Bonafilla), and Wifred. Ermengol, his oldest son, helped rule the county of Osona while Sunyer was still alive. Sadly, Ermengol died in a battle between 939 and 943, possibly fighting against the Hungarians.
Sunyer's Leadership and Actions
Count Sunyer worked hard to improve his lands. He supported the church, giving it more land and money to make it stronger. He also encouraged people to move into and settle the county of Ausona, helping it grow.
Fighting for His Lands
Sunyer changed the way his predecessors had ruled. Instead of just defending his borders, he actively fought against the Moorish states to the south. Battles took place in areas like Lleida and Tarragona.
At the same time, he also kept up diplomatic talks with the Caliphate of Córdoba, which was losing control over its northern areas. In 912, a leader named Muhammad al-Tawil, who ruled Huesca and Lleida, attacked Sunyer's army. Sunyer's forces were defeated in the Tàrrega valley.
However, Sunyer fought back strongly in 914. His counterattack was successful, pushing back the enemy and leading to al-Tawil's death. After this victory, Sunyer helped people resettle the Penedès region. This area had seen many fights between the Frankish and Muslim empires. He extended his control as far as Olèrdola by 929.
Later Campaigns and Retirement
From 936 to 937, Sunyer led another important military trip against the Muslims. This campaign was very successful. Many enemy soldiers were defeated, including the leader of Valencia. The Moors temporarily left Tarragona, making it an empty zone. The city of Tortosa was even forced to pay money to Sunyer.
However, these gains didn't last long. In 940, Abd ar-Rahman III, a powerful leader, sent his representatives and a fleet to Barcelona. This forced Sunyer to agree to an alliance where he was less powerful. He also had to cancel a marriage agreement he had made for his daughter with King García Sánchez I of Pamplona.
In 947, Sunyer decided to retire from ruling and live a religious life in a monastery. He gave control of his lands to his sons, Borrell II and Miró I. He passed away in the Monastery of La Grassa in 950.
See also
In Spanish: Suniario de Barcelona para niños
