Gerberga, Countess of Provence

Gerberga (1045/65–1115), also spelled Gerberge or Gerburge, was the Countess of Provence for more than a decade, until 1112. Provence is a region located in the southeastern part of modern-day France that did not become part of France until 1481 (well after Gerberga's time).

Countess Gerberga was a daughter of Geoffrey I of Provence (who was jointly Count of Provence with his brothers) and his wife Etiennette.^[1] However, Gerberga did not succeed him immediately, but rather became countess decades after his death, during which time other relatives filled that position. It is unclear exactly when she became countess; sources indicate it was no earlier than 1093 and no later than 1100.^[1][2]

She and her husband, Gilbert I of Gévaudan, were considered virtuous.^[3] He participated in the Crusades, donating many relics from the Middle East to churches in Provence.^[4] Gilbert later died in 1108. Gerberga then took control of the government, and is said to have ruled wisely.^[5] In 1112, her eldest daughter Douce was married to Raymond Berengar III of Barcelona at which point Provence was ceded to him.^[2] Her second daughter, Stephanie, would lay claim to the county and thus precipitate the Baussenque Wars in 1144.

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