County of Barcelona - Frankish Rule

Frankish Rule

The area was dominated by the Franks after the conquest of Gerona (785) and especially when, in 801, the city of Barcelona was conquered by King Louis the Pious of Aquitaine (or Louis the Pious), and was incorporated into the Frankish kingdom. The county of Barcelona was established there, reporting to the Frankish king. The first Count of Barcelona was Bera (801-820).

Initially, authority for the county rested on the local aristocracy. However, the policies Bera adopted in an effort to maintain peace with Muslim ruled Al-Andalus, resulted in him being accused of treason before the King. After losing a duel, according to the Visigothic legislation, Bera was deposed and exiled, and the government of the county went to Frankish nobles, such as Rampón or Bernardo of Septimania. However, the Visigothic nobility regained the King's confidence with the appointment of Sunifred I of Urgel-Cerdanya as Count of Barcelona in 844.