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DelaCount-Co-Ruler of Ampurias
Date of Birth: .
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Content:
- Dela, Count of Empúries
- Involvement in the Schism of Esclua
- Conflict with Wilfred the Hairy
- Death and Legacy
Dela, Count of Empúries
Early Life and Co-RulershipDela was the son of Sunyer I, Count of Empúries and Roussillon, and brother of Count Sunyer II. Evidence suggests that Dela was the elder brother, as his signature always preceded Sunyer's in charters issued by both. Little is known of the brothers' lives between 848, when their father died, and 862, when Sunyer II received Empúries from Charles the Bald, King of West Francia.
Upon inheriting the county after the deposition of Margrave Humphrey of Gothia, Sunyer made Dela his co-ruler, likely delegating some of his authority to his brother. Dela acted independently in numerous charters, indicating his significant role in governance.
Involvement in the Schism of Esclua
Dela and Sunyer II played a crucial role in the Schism of Esclua, a political and ecclesiastical crisis that plagued the Spanish March. The crisis erupted in 886 when Esclua, the newly elected Bishop of Urgell, was expelled. Esclua enlisted the support of the counts of Empúries and other enemies of Ingoberga, the deposed bishop.
With support from Dela and Sunyer, Esclua seized control of the Bishopric of Urgell. At their behest, he expelled Servus Dei, Bishop of Girona, in 888 and consecrated their candidate, Ermeric, as bishop. Despite condemnation by numerous church councils, Esclua managed to control the see for several years.
Conflict with Wilfred the Hairy
Seeing Wilfrid the Hairy, Count of Barcelona, as inactive in the crisis, Sunyer and Dela seized the opportunity to expand their territory by capturing Girona, a county belonging to Wilfred. Dela became ruler of Girona.
In response, Wilfred expelled the counts of Empúries from Girona and aided their enemies. For two years, both sides sought the support of powerful allies. However, papal and royal condemnation of Esclua tipped the scales against his supporters.
At a council held in Seu d'Urgell in 892, Esclua, Ermeric, and the counts of Empúries were condemned. Esclua renounced his bishopric, while Sunyer, Dela, and Ramon I of Pallars and Ribagorza possibly faced excommunication but retained their territories.
Death and Legacy
Dela died in 894 or 895. His marriage to Quixola (Hintol) produced only two daughters:
