Battle of Candespina facts for kids

The Battle of Candespina was a fight that happened on October 26, 1110, or possibly 1111. It took place near a town called Sepúlveda in a place known as the Campo de la Espina. The battle was between Alfonso I of Aragon, who was the King of Aragon, and his wife, Urraca of León and Castile, who was the Queen of León and Castile.

Alfonso I won this battle. He would also win another battle a few weeks later called the Battle of Viadangos.

What Was the Battle of Candespina?

The Battle of Candespina was a key event in a big power struggle. This struggle was between King Alfonso I of Aragon and Queen Urraca of León and Castile. They were married, but their marriage was not going well, and they were fighting for control over their kingdoms.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

The battle happened because Alfonso and Urraca were in a serious disagreement over who should rule. Queen Urraca had become very powerful. This made some people, including her husband, King Alfonso, uneasy.

The Role of Henry of Portugal

One of Queen Urraca's important relatives was Henry of Portugal. He was her brother-in-law. Henry had been gathering soldiers in France. He then decided to join forces with King Alfonso. Alfonso promised Henry that if they won, they would divide the kingdoms. This deal would give Henry control over the western parts, like Galicia and Portugal.

Key Events of the Battle

The battle began while Queen Urraca was staying in Burgos, which was the capital of Castile. On the battlefield, a count named Gómez González was fighting for Queen Urraca. He was killed by Henry of Portugal during the battle.

After the fighting, Queen Urraca met with another Castilian count, Pedro González de Lara, in Burgos. Meanwhile, Henry of Portugal might have started to doubt his alliance with Alfonso. Some of Urraca's supporters approached Henry. They offered him an even better deal if he switched sides and joined the Queen.

Who Was Gómez González?

Gómez González was an important count in Castile. He was known to be a supporter of Queen Urraca. His death during the Battle of Candespina was a significant loss for Urraca's forces.

When Did the Battle Take Place?

Historians are not completely sure about the exact year the Battle of Candespina happened. Some old historical records give different dates.

For example, a historical book called the Historia Compostelana says the battle happened in 1110. It mentions that Henry of Portugal traveled to France in early 1110. Also, Gómez González, who was killed in the battle, stopped appearing in official documents after October 15, 1110.

However, other old records suggest a different year. The Annales Complutenses and the Annales Compostellani both say the battle was in 1111. Another document from a place called Saint Sernin de Toulouse also dates the battle to 1111. So, while the exact year is debated, it was either 1110 or 1111.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Candespina para niños