Raymond and Henry of Burgundy: Their Arrival …
Years: 1095 - 1095
Raymond and Henry of Burgundy: Their Arrival in Iberia and Political Rise
Raymond of Burgundy and his cousin, Henry of Burgundy, likely first arrived in Iberia in 1086, accompanying the army of Duke Odo I of Burgundy to support the Reconquista against the Muslims.
From Tudela to the Court of Alfonso VI (1087 CE)
- The Burgundian army abandoned its siege of Tudela in April 1087, and most of its troops returned home.
- However, Odo and his retinue moved westward, arriving at the court of King Alfonso VI of León and Castile.
- By July 21, 1087, they were likely at Burgos, and by August 5, they had reached León, the capital.
Marriage to Urraca and the Governance of Galicia
At León, Duke Odo arranged the marriage of Raymond to Urraca, the eldest daughter and heiress of Alfonso VI.
Through this marriage, Raymond received the governance of the Kingdom of Galicia as a dowry, which included:
- The County of Portugal
- The County of Coimbra
However, in 1095, Alfonso VI reassigns the Counties of Portugal and Coimbra to Henry of Burgundy, who bases his rule in Bracara Augusta (modern-day Braga). Henry’s descendants will later establish the independent Kingdom of Portugal, culminating in the reign of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king.
Raymond’s Rule in Galicia
During his rule, Raymond of Burgundy assumes various prestigious titles, including:
- Count (Comes),
- Lord (Dominus),
- Prince,
- Emperor, and
- Consul of Galicia (or the Galicians).
These titles reflect the near-absolute power he exercises over his domain, marking him as a major political force in Christian Iberia during the late 11th century.
Locations
People
- Alfonso VI of León and Castile
- Constance of Burgundy
- Henry, Count of Portugal
- Odo I, Duke of Burgundy
- Urraca of León and Castile
Groups
- Moors
- Galicia, Kingdom of
- Muslims, Sunni
- León, Kingdom of
- Christians, Roman Catholic
- Castile, Kingdom of
- Portugal, (second) County of
