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Bernard SeptimanieMarquis of Septimania and Count of Narbonne
Date of Birth: 01.01.0795
Country:  France |
Content:
- Marquis Bernard of Septimania
- Early Life and Inheritance
- Suppression of the Aisso Rebellion
- Rise to Prominence
- Conflicts and Downfall
- Recovery and Restoration
- Final Years and Death
- Marriage and Children
- William of Septimania, Count of Barcelona
Marquis Bernard of Septimania
Bernard was a prominent figure in the Carolingian Empire during the 9th century. He held various titles, including Marquis of Septimania, Count of Barcelona, and Chamberlain to Emperor Louis the Pious.
Early Life and Inheritance
Born in 816, Bernard was the son of William Jilon of Toulouse and Cunegonda. In 820, he and his brother Goscelm played a role in the overthrow of their elder brother, Berà, who was the Count of Barcelona. However, the emperor granted Barcelona to another count, and Bernard only received it after the count's death in 826.
Suppression of the Aisso Rebellion
In 827, Bernard faced a rebellion led by Aisso, a Goth who was supported by the Arabs of Cordoba. Bernard sought imperial support, and Emperor Louis sent an army to Barcelona. The Arabs were defeated, and Aisso fled. Bernard's prestige as a victor against the Moors grew significantly.
Rise to Prominence
In 828, Bernard became the Marquis of Septimania, which included the counties of Narbonne, Agde, Béziers, Melgueil, and Nîmes. He also served as Chamberlain to Emperor Louis and tutor to his son, Charles. Bernard's influence at court grew, and he became one of the most powerful individuals in the empire.
Conflicts and Downfall
As Chamberlain, Bernard made enemies among the emperor's elder sons. Rumors of an affair with the empress, Judith, led to a revolt in the army. Bernard lost his position at court and his County of Autun. In 832, he joined a rebellion against Louis, which resulted in his removal from Septimania.
Recovery and Restoration
In 835, after the emperor's oldest son, Lothair, rebelled, Bernard helped defeat him. He reclaimed his territories, including Barcelona, Septimania, and Toulouse. However, he faced discontent from the Gothic population.
Final Years and Death
After the emperor's death in 840, Bernard remained neutral in the conflict between the imperial brothers. He initially supported Charles II but later switched allegiance to Pippin II, Duke of Aquitaine. In 843, the Treaty of Verdun divided the empire, and Septimania fell within Charles' kingdom. Bernard was captured by Charles in 844 and executed, his territories being divided among other counts.
Marriage and Children
Bernard married Dhuoda, the daughter of Sancho I, Duke of Gascony. They had three children:
William of Septimania, Count of Barcelona
Bernard Plantevelue, Count of Auvergne, Toulouse, and othersRegelinda, wife of Vulgrin I Taillefer, Count of Angoulême
