County of Empúries

After the Franks conquered the regions in 785, Empúries and Peralada came under the authority of the County of Girona.

One of the ninth-century counts of Empúries assembled a fleet powerful enough to conquer the Balearic Islands, but only for a brief time.

Hugh's comital dynasty lasted until 1322, when Empúries passed to a collateral branch of his family.

The last count, Hugh VI, sold the county to Peter IV of Ribagorza in 1325 in exchange for the barony of Pego and the towns of Xaló and Laguar, all located within the Kingdom of Valencia.

A portion of the "taxes of the port", consisting of dues and anchorage, were passed on to the diocese.

Count Hugh IV of Empúries (left) and Lord Pero Maça of Sangarrén during the war against the Moors in Majorca around 1229. The shield above the figures is the coat-of-arms of Empúries.
Location of the County of Empúries within the Principality of Catalonia