Turpio facts for kids

Turpio (also called Turpion) was an important leader known as a Count in the Frankish empire. He lived a long time ago and died on October 4, 863. Turpio was the Count of Angoulême, a region in what is now France. People remember him because he bravely fought against Viking raiders, and he died in one of these battles.

Who Was Count Turpio?

Turpio was a powerful figure in the Frankish empire. This empire was a large kingdom in Europe many centuries ago. A "Count" was like a governor or a local ruler who managed a specific area for the king or emperor. Turpio's job was to protect and govern the region of Angoulême.

Becoming a Count

It's not completely clear exactly when Turpio became the Count of Angoulême. Some old writings from that time give different information.

In 838, the Emperor Louis the Pious was trying to stop a rebellion. His grandson, Pepin II of Aquitaine, was leading this rebellion in a place called Aquitaine. Emperor Louis replaced some counts who supported Pepin. One old book says Turpio was made Count of Angoulême then. However, another letter from 840 mentions a different person, Rainald, as the new Count. This letter also suggests Turpio might have supported Pepin.

No matter when he started, Turpio's time as count was very busy. He had to deal with many attacks from the Vikings.

Fighting the Vikings

During Turpio's time, the Vikings were a big problem. They were fierce warriors from the North who often raided lands in Europe. Turpio spent much of his time defending his region from these attacks.

The biggest Viking raids happened between 862 and 863. The Vikings even teamed up with Pepin, the emperor's grandson. They attacked many places, including the city of Toulouse. They also raided Turpio's region, Angoumois.

Turpio's Last Battle

In 863, Turpio faced the Vikings in a major battle. Old records tell us what happened. One record says that "Turpio, count of Angoulême, fought with the Northmen, killing their king, named Maurum, and himself being killed." This means Turpio was a very strong fighter. He managed to kill the Viking king, Mauro, but he also lost his own life in the fight.

Another detailed account describes Turpio as a "most strong knight and the best defender." It also says he was a "magnificent man" who loved the church and helped poor people. After Turpio died, the Vikings took over and burned the whole region.

Turpio's death happened on October 4, 863. After he died, his brother, Emeno, became the new Count of Angoulême. Emeno also died a few years later, in 866.