Barre, Berri
Berry is a historical province in central France.
Berry was conquered for Arthur by Hoel of Brittany, according to Layamon.
In the Prose Lancelot, Berry and its capital Bourges were ruled by King Claudas, an enemy of Lancelot’s family. The country was laid waste by Uther Pendragon and King Aramont of Brittany, and it became known as the Land Laid Waste.
Berry | 0 to the 9th century AD
Pre-Roman and Roman Periods
In ancient times, the area that would become Berry was inhabited by Celtic tribes before the Roman conquest. During the Roman era, the region became part of the Roman province of Aquitania.
Migration Period and Merovingian Dynasty | 5th – 8th centuries
Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century, the region experienced the migrations of various Germanic and Frankish tribes. The Merovingian dynasty, the first ruling dynasty of the Frankish Empire, had influence over the region during this period.
Carolingian Period | 8th – 9th centuries
In the eighth century, the Carolingian dynasty, under Charlemagne, expanded its control over much of Western Europe, including the region that would later be known as Berry. Charlemagne’s empire was characterized by efforts to consolidate and administer territories, including the establishment of Carolingian counties and administrative divisions.
Feudal Period and Duchy of Berry
The feudal period that followed Charlemagne’s rule saw the development of local lordships and the emergence of the feudal system. Berry became part of the medieval Duchy of Berry, a territorial entity within the border framework of the Kingdom of France. The province of Berry played a role in the broader historical events and conflicts of medieval France.
Sources
Brut | Layamon, late 12th century to mid-13th century
Lancelot do Lac | 1215-1220
Vulgate Lancelot | 1215-1230