Carcassonne's discretion

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tomb of Ermessenda of Carcassonne

Ermessenda von Carcassonne (also Ermensine ) ( catal. Ermessenda de Carcassona ) (* between 975 and 978 ; † March 1, 1058 in Sant Quirze de Besora ) was co-regent of her husband Raimund Borrell over the county of Barcelona and the associated areas in Catalonia . After his death she ruled in the name of her underage son Berengar Ramon I. Even after he was of legal age, she took part in the rule. After his death, she was regent for her grandson Raimund Berengar I. After serious conflicts with him, she renounced political participation shortly before her death. She also emerged as a patron of the Church.

origin

She was the daughter of Roger I of Carcassonne and the mother Adelaise de Rouergue. The father noticeably expanded the influence of his house. She herself married Count Ramon Borell of Barcelona around 993.

Co-regent of her husband

Ermessenda participated in government affairs while her husband was still alive. She even accompanied him in 1015 on a campaign on the Ebro . She was also present a year later when she visited the Muslim court in Saragossa . She sat partly alone, partly with her husband before the court. In 1010 she pushed through the appointment of her brother Pere as Bishop of Girona and the installation of Abbot Oliba as coadjutor of the Diocese of Vic . Both were among her loyal followers during her husband's lifetime.

Her husband strengthened her position in his will. In the event of his death, she was guaranteed certain rights and property in Barcelona , Ausona , Manresa and Girona.

Regent for Berengar Ramon I.

After the death of her husband she was regent for her son Berengar Ramon I until 1023. In addition to important churchmen, a number of influential lawyers were among her followers and supporters. There were also a number of nobles.

With the help of Roger I. de Tosny it was possible to limit the piracy that emanated from the Muslim empire Denia . Denia had to pay tribute and an alliance was formed.

After her son came of age in 1023, she continued to participate in the rule. This was in accordance with the wishes of her late husband. As a result, there were conflicts with the son. These were ended by a settlement. The mother was given a number of castles and the power of disposal over Girona.

Regent for Ramon Berenguer

The son died in 1035. Ermessenda also took over the reign for her grandson Ramon Berenguer. During this time, the nobility grew stronger and expanded their influence to the detriment of the Count's House. In contrast, Ermessenda allied itself with high church officials and some nobles. In 1041 there was a conflict with her grandson over the rule. She retired to her county of Girona. There she was involved in the defense against Muslim pirates. Their most important allies and advisers, Bishops Oliba and Pere, died in 1046 and 1050 respectively.

Conflict with Ramon Berenguer

After Ramon Berenguer had left his wife Blanche von Narbonne to marry Almodis de la Marche in 1052 , the grandson and grandmother had another conflict. Ermessenda considered the marriage to be illegal. This successfully turned to Pope Victor II and achieved the excommunication of her grandson in 1056 . She incited the barons to rebellion. After a period of serious conflict between the two sides, an agreement was reached in 1057. The countess renounced her sovereignty rights in exchange for a large payment, swore allegiance to the count couple and promised to work for the lifting of the excommunication. Then she withdrew to her estates.

Patron of the Church

In addition to her political activities, Ermessenda was of great importance as a patron of the Church. She founded several monasteries and, together with her brother Pere, supported the construction of the cathedral in Girona. Construction began around 1015 and the church was consecrated in 1038. She is also buried there. In the 14th century, King Peter had the graves of Ermessenda and her grandson redesigned in Gothic style.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Patricia Humphrey: Ermessenda of Barcelona. The status of their autority . In: Queens, Regents and Potentates . Cambridge 1993, p. 18.
  2. ↑ Patricia Humphrey: Ermessenda of Barcelona. The status of their autority . In: Queens, Regents and Potentates . Cambridge 1993, p. 21.
  3. ↑ Patricia Humphrey: Ermessenda of Barcelona. The status of their autority . In: Queens, Regents and Potentates . Cambridge 1993, p. 23.
  4. ↑ Patricia Humphrey: Ermessenda of Barcelona. The status of their autority . In: Queens, Regents and Potentates . Cambridge 1993 p. 23.
  5. ↑ Patricia Humphrey: Ermessenda of Barcelona. The status of their autority . In: Queens, Regents and Potentates . Cambridge 1993, p. 25.
  6. ↑ Patricia Humphrey: Ermessenda of Barcelona. The status of their autority . In: Queens, Regents and Potentates . Cambridge 1993, p. 30.

literature

  • Patricia Humphrey: Discretionary Agenda of Barcelona. The status of their autority . In: Queens, Regents and Potentates . Cambridge 1993, pp. 15-36.

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Carcassonne's discretion
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Ermensine
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Regent of the County of Barcelona
DATE OF BIRTH 10th century
DATE OF DEATH March 1, 1058
Place of death Sant Quirze de Besora