Battle of Albesa facts for kids

The Battle of Albesa was an important fight that happened on February 25, 1003. It took place near a town called Albesa (which was known as Al-Qaṣr al-Māša back then) and Balaguer (called Balagî). This battle was between the Christian forces from the Catalan counties and the Islamic forces from the Caliphate of Córdoba.

This battle was part of many smaller fights along the border during a long period of history called the Reconquista. These fights were often called razzias, which were raids or attacks. Some historians thought this battle was just a small local fight. However, many important Christian leaders were there, and a big Muslim counter-attack followed. This shows it was more significant than first thought.

According to a historian named Ramon d'Abadal i de Vinyals, this battle was part of a Christian attack. During this attack, Bishop Berengar of Elna was killed. It was a "preventative war" to stop a threat from 'Abd al-Malik, a powerful leader from Córdoba. 'Abd al-Malik reacted very quickly. In the summer of 1003, he led a strong army that went through Zaragoza and Lleida. They captured castles like Montmegastre and Meiá, then moved into areas like Igualada and Castellolí, and finally reached Manresa, which they attacked and damaged.

Bishop Berengar's Death

Berengar, who was the Bishop of Elna, died during the Battle of Albesa. His death is mentioned in old historical records. One record, the Chronicon Rivipullense, notes his death. Another, the Chronicon Rotense, simply says: "1003. The battle of Albesa was fought with the Saracens."

A more detailed record, the Alterum chronicon Rotense, adds: "Year 1003. A battle was fought in Albesa with the Saracens, where Berengar, Bishop of Elna, was killed."

When Did the Battle Happen?

The date of February 25, 1003, comes from the only Arabic source that talks about the battle. This source, Ibn al-Faraḍī, recorded that a person named Sa‘īd bin Mūsā from Elvira died in the battle of al-Māša near Balagî. This happened on a Thursday, ten days before the end of the month of Rabī’ al-Thānī in the Islamic year 393. This date matches February 25, 1003, in our calendar.

Some historians, like Félix Hernández Jiménez, thought the battle happened in the summer of 1003. This was because he linked it to another event: the capture of Castellolí castle by Abd al-Malik al-Muzaffar. Abd al-Malik was a powerful leader, like a prime minister, for the Caliphate of Córdoba.

Abd al-Malik's Campaign

An Arabic record, the Bayān al-Mugrib by Ibn Iḍārī, describes Abd al-Malik's campaign. It says he marched towards Barcelona in August. After this, he camped at a place called al-Baṭḥā, which might have been Albesa. Abd al-Malik then invaded the county of Urgell and destroyed the castles of Montmagastre and Meià. He might have also attacked the area around Manresa.

At the end of this campaign, Abd al-Malik had captured 5,570 Christians and six of their castles. He also destroyed 85 other fortified places.

Ermengol I's Capture

During this expedition, according to the historian Ibn Khaldūn, Ermengol I of Urgell was captured. Ermengol had initially rebelled against Abd al-Malik. His capture is sometimes linked to the Battle of Albesa, and sometimes not. We know that Ermengol was back in Urgell by March 13, 1004.

Why the February Date Makes Sense

A new bishop for Elna, named Frèdol, is recorded in church documents on October 11, 1003. It would have been very difficult for a new bishop to be chosen and installed so quickly if Bishop Berengar had died at the end of summer, far from Elna. The earlier date of February for Berengar's death fits much better with the timing of the new bishop's appointment. Berengar's death at Albesa is more certain than Ermengol's capture happening at the same time.

Other Leaders at the Battle

Since Bishop Berengar was at the battle, it suggests that his brothers, Bernard I of Besalú and Wifred II of Cerdagne, might have been there too. Another historical record, the Crónica d'Alaó renovada, says that Count Isarn I of Ribagorza died fighting the Moors at Monzón in 1003. This suggests a Christian attack deep into Muslim land, making it possible he died at Albesa. The location of Albesa also suggests that Sunyer of Pallars might have been there. It is likely that all these leaders came to help Ermengol and his brother, Raymond Borrel of Barcelona, in their fight.

The Outcome of the Battle

The Battle of Albesa was likely a separate event from Abd al-Malik's big campaign that followed. Historians believe the Battle of Albesa was one of the Christian attacks that caused Abd al-Malik to launch his large campaign in the summer.

After the Christians were defeated at the Battle of Torà, they followed the Muslims into their territory. A second battle was fought near Albesa, which ended this short war. The exact result of the Battle of Albesa is not fully clear. However, unlike the first battle at Torà, it was probably not a victory for the Christians.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Albesa para niños