1. Diogo Fernandes, Count of Guimarães
2. Arrival in Portugal and Marriage
3. Reign as Count of Guimarães
4. Legacy and Succession
5. Marriage and Death

Diogo Fernandes, Count of Guimarães

Early Life and Family

Diogo Fernandes was the first Count of Guimarães and a Count-Regent of Portugal from 924 to between 926 and 928. He is believed to have originated from the noble Castilian family Ansúrez. His father was Count Fernando Ansúrez, his brother was Ero Fernández, the first Count of Lugo, and one of his nephews was Fernando Ansúrez, the Count of Castile.

Arrival in Portugal and Marriage

According to legend, Diogo Fernandes arrived in the County of Portugal from Castile in the late 9th century. It is speculated that he accompanied Prince Bermudo Ordóñez, who had been exiled to Coimbra after an unsuccessful rebellion against his brother, King Alfonso III of Asturias. In Portugal, Diogo married the noblewoman Onega (Onecca). Most historians identify her as Onega Lucides, the daughter of Count Lucídio Vimaranes of Portugal. It is likely that Diogo Fernandes received the village of Guimarães and the title of Count as a dowry from his father-in-law.

Reign as Count of Guimarães

Little is known about the reign of Count Diogo Fernandes. The first surviving charter signed by him dates back to 909. It is believed that he assisted his wife Onega Lucides in governing the County of Portugal, which she had inherited in the 910s or early 920s. He is mentioned in this capacity in a document from 924. In 926, Diogo witnessed a charter of King Ramiro II of León. This is the last document signed by the Count of Guimarães. A charter issued by Onega Lucides in December 928 refers to Diogo as deceased.

Legacy and Succession

After Diogo's death, Onega Lucides was forced to relinquish the County of Portugal, passing it on to her eldest daughter, Mumadona Dias, and her husband, Menendo I Gonçalves. It is likely that Mumadona also received the County of Guimarães at this time.

Marriage and Death

Count Diogo Fernandes was married to Onega Lucides, the Countess of Portugal (died 959).

Statesmen