Battle of Albelda (851) facts for kids

The first Battle of Albelda was an important fight that happened in the year 851. It took place near a town called Albelda de Iregua in what is now Spain. This battle was between the Muslim forces led by Musa ibn Musa and an army of Franks and Gascons from France. These French groups were likely helping the Christian Kingdom of Asturias, who were enemies of Musa. The Muslim forces won this battle.

This battle is often linked to a campaign by Ordoño I of Asturias, a Christian king, who was trying to stop a revolt by the Basques. It might also be connected to the capture of some important Frankish and Gascon leaders.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The Muslim Side

The Muslim army was led by Musa ibn Musa. He was a powerful leader of the Banu Qasi family and governed the city of Tudela. He fought for the Emirate of Córdoba, a large Muslim state in al-Andalus (parts of Spain and Portugal).

The Christian Side

The other side included soldiers from the Franks and Gascons. These groups came from what is now France. They were probably allies of the Kingdom of Asturias, a Christian kingdom in northern Spain. The king of Asturias at this time was Ordoño I of Asturias.

What Happened During the Battle?

The battle happened in 851, near the walls of Albelda. On the first day, Musa ibn Musa's forces faced tough resistance and suffered many losses. Musa himself was injured multiple times.

However, on the second day, Musa's army fought back strongly. They managed to push the Gascons and Franks to retreat. The Muslim forces won a great victory, and news of it spread across al-Andalus.

King Ordoño's Actions

In the same year, 851, King Ordoño I of Asturias had just become king. He first put down a revolt by the Basques, who were his subjects. After this, he marched his army across the river Ebro. The historical records say that with "the help of God," he made the Muslims flee. After this, the Basques submitted to him.

Some historians believe that this fight with the Muslims, mentioned by King Ordoño's chronicles, might be the same Battle of Albelda where Musa ibn Musa was involved. It's possible that Ordoño's Gascon allies, who were helping him with the Basque revolt, were defeated by Musa's forces.

After the Battle

After the Battle of Albelda in 851, Musa ibn Musa captured two important Frankish leaders, Sancho and Emenon. He took them prisoner. The exact date of their capture isn't clear, but Sancho disappeared from Gascony around 855.

Musa ibn Musa also led other military trips into Christian lands around 855-856. Some historians think that the "gifts" found in Musa's camp during a later battle (the Battle of Monte Laturce) might have been the money paid to free Sancho and Emenon. This would mean they were captured before 859.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Albelda para niños