William I, Duke of Aquitaine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids William I, Duke of Aquitaine |
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| Duke of Aquitaine | |
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| Born | 22 March 875 |
| Died | 6 July 918 (aged 43) |
| Father | Bernard Plantapilosa |
William I, also known as William the Pious, was an important ruler in France a long time ago. He was born on March 22, 875, and passed away on July 6, 918. William became the Count of Auvergne in 886 and later the Duke of Aquitaine in 893. He took over from a ruler named Ebalus Manser. One of William's most famous actions was starting Cluny Abbey on September 11, 910. This abbey became a very powerful religious center.
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Who Was William the Pious?
William was the son of Bernard Plantapilosa and Ermengard. Before the year 898, William married a woman named Angilberga. She was the daughter of Boso of Provence and Ermengard of Italy.
Becoming a Powerful Ruler
William inherited the regions of Auvergne and the Limousin. In 893, he took control of Poitou and Aquitaine. He kept Aquitaine for himself and was declared its Duke. His lands stretched from a region called Austrasia all the way to Toulouse. They also included areas like the Autunois and Mâconnais.
Founding Cluny Abbey
In 909, William started the Benedictine abbey of Cluny. This abbey became a very important place for both politics and religion. William made sure that the abbey would not be controlled by him or his family. Instead, he arranged for it to report directly to the pope. This was a big deal because, back then, most monasteries were owned by private families. These families would often choose who ran the monastery, even if they weren't properly trained. William also chose Cluny's first leader, called an abbot, who was named Berno of Baume.
William's Independence
William showed how independent he was as a ruler in Aquitaine. He even had his own coins, called deniers, made in his name in a town called Brioude. When he died, William was buried in the monastery of Saint-Julien. William did not have a son to take over his titles. So, his nephew, William the Younger, who was his sister Adelinda's son, inherited his dukedom.
William's Family
William married Angilberga. They had one known child:
- Boso
See also
In Spanish: Guillermo I de Aquitania para niños
- Dukes of Aquitaine family tree
| Preceded by Ebalus |
Duke of Aquitaine after 893–918 |
Succeeded by William II |
