Órbigo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Órbigo |
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The union of the rivers Luna and Omaña at this point form the Órbigo river
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| Other name(s) | Latin: Urbicus |
| Country | Spain |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Union of the rivers Luna and Omaña Secarejo, Cimanes del Tejar, Ribera del Órbigo, León, Castile and León, Spain 902 m (2,959 ft) |
| River mouth | Esla river Santa Colomba de las Monjas, Benavente y Valles, Zamora, Castile and León, Spain 702 m (2,303 ft) |
| Length | 162 km (101 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 4,995 km2 (1,929 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Órbigo River is an important river in Spain. It flows through the provinces of León and Zamora. This river starts when two other rivers, the Luna River and the Omaña River, join together. This happens near the town of Secarejo.
The Órbigo then flows from north to south. It eventually joins the Esla River near Benavente.
What's in a Name?
How the Órbigo River got its name is a bit of a mystery! Some language experts think the name "Órbigo" comes from a very old European word. This word, *urw-, meant "to flow" or "to move." The first time this river was written about, it was called "Urbicum."
There's also an interesting story about the Luna River. Some people believe the Luna River should actually be considered the true start of the Órbigo. Long ago, a powerful count named Luna wanted the part of the river that flowed through his land to be named after him. So, he ordered the name to be changed!
Rivers Joining the Órbigo
Smaller rivers that flow into a bigger river are called tributaries. The Órbigo River has several tributaries that add to its flow:
- Duerna
- Tuerto
- Jamuz
- Eria
- There's also a special channel called Presa Cerrajera. This channel splits off from the Órbigo and then flows back into it later!
Images for kids
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In 1433, a knight named Suero de Quiñones and his friends held a special challenge here. They promised to break 300 lances before moving on!
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This is a medieval bridge over the Órbigo River in Hospital de Órbigo, León.
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A view of the Órbigo river area.
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Another look at where the Luna and Omaña rivers meet to form the Órbigo.
See also
In Spanish: Río Órbigo para niños
