The Count of Catalonia was a title held by the rulers of the region of Catalonia during the early medieval period. This title emerged in the 9th century as the region sought to establish its own governance amid the fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire. The counts were responsible for local administration, defense, and the promotion of trade and agriculture. Over time, the title evolved, and the counts became influential figures in the broader political landscape of Spain. The title eventually merged with the Crown of Aragon in the 12th century, leading to the formation of a more unified political entity that included Catalonia and other territories.