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Donat LoupFirst Count of Bigorre
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Operator |
Content:
- The First Count of Bigorre
- Donat Loup's Origins
- Donat Loup's Rise to Power
- Donat Loup's Later Years
- Donat Loup's Legacy
- Datho I, who succeeded his father as Count of Bigorre.
The First Count of Bigorre
Donat Loup, the first Count of Bigorre (c. 820 - between 838 and 865), founded the Bigorre dynasty. It is believed that Donat Loup was the eldest son of Loup III Centule, Duke of Vasconia. This lineage is based on Donat's patronymic mentioned in 9th-century charters, though none explicitly name his father's full title. The "Charter of Alaon" (845) also refers to Loup III as Donat Loup's father, but it is now recognized as a 17th-century forgery.
Donat Loup's Origins
Some historians, such as Christian Settipani, propose an alternative theory. They believe that Donat was the son of Loup, Loup III Centule's only son, and that Donat Loup's dates fall in the late, rather than early part of the 9th century.
Donat Loup's Rise to Power
Donat Loup first appears in historical records in the events of 819/820. After suppressing the rebellion of Loup III Centule, Emperor Louis the Pious of the Franks exiled the Duke of Vasconia. However, the Emperor surprisingly patronized his sons, Donat Loup and Centule Loup, granting them control over parts of their father's lands. Donat Loup received the County of Bigorre, becoming its first count and the founder of the local dynasty, while Centule Loup established the Béarn dynasty as Viscount of Béarn. The Counts of Bigorre remained loyal vassals to the Frankish Emperors and later the Kings of West Francia.
Donat Loup's Later Years
Donat Loup is likely the same individual mentioned as Donat in the "Life of Emperor Louis" by the Astronomer (Anonymous). In 827, Louis the Pious sent forces led by Abbot Elisachar, Count Hildebran, and Donat to suppress Aissa's (Aizo's) anti-Frankish revolt in the Spanish March. The generals, joined by Count Berengar of Barcelona, fought an arduous campaign but failed to achieve significant success.
In 838, Donat, along with Margrave Boniface II of Tuscany and Abbot Adrebald of Flavigny, was dispatched as "missi dominici" (royal envoys) to Septimania. They investigated local nobles' accusations of wrongdoing against Marquis Bernard. Despite evidence of Bernard's misconduct, he remained unpunished and enjoyed the continued patronage of Emperor Louis I.
Donat Loup's Legacy
Donat Loup died sometime between 838 and December 865, though some historians believe his son and successor, Datho I, was already ruling Bigorre when the Normans attacked its capital, Tarbes, in 844. Donat Loup married Faquilou (Faquilene), possibly the daughter of Mansio, Viscount of Lavédan. They had two sons:
Datho I, who succeeded his father as Count of Bigorre.
Centule, who became Bishop of Auch.The theory that Donat Loup had another son, Íñigo Arista, the first King of Navarre, is now widely rejected by modern historians.
