Battle of Estercuel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Estercuel |
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| Part of the Reconquista | |||||||
 Contemporary miniature of Ramiro of Viguera (Ranimirus rex, "king Ramiro", according to the superscription), bearing the sword and holding a sceptre, from the Codex Vigilanus |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Kingdom of Viguera | Caliphate of Córdoba | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Ramiro Garcés of Viguera | al-Tuyibi | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 500 cavalry | superior | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 33 men | few if any | ||||||
The Battle of Estercuel was a fight that happened on July 6, 975. It was between the army of the Kingdom of Viguera, led by King Ramiro Garcés, and the forces of the Caliphate of Córdoba. The Caliphate's army was led by al-Tuyibi, who was the kaid (a military leader or governor) of Zaragoza.
This battle was a typical small fight along the border between the Christian kingdoms and the Muslim lands during the Reconquista. The Caliphate of Córdoba won the battle. Several important leaders from Navarre were killed, and King Ramiro himself was hurt.
Contents
What Led to the Battle?
The kaid of Zaragoza, al-Tuyibi, had been part of a bigger military campaign earlier that spring. This campaign was led by a general named Galib. However, it seems al-Tuyibi left that expedition before a major victory happened at the Battle of San Esteban de Gormaz in 978.
The army of the Kingdom of Pamplona, led by King Sancho II Garcés Abarca, was also involved in the fighting at Gormaz. Sancho II was Ramiro's half-brother. The Pamplona forces, along with soldiers from the Castile, were defeated there.
Al-Tuyibi, the kaid, was on his way back to Zaragoza when he unexpectedly met a Christian army. This Christian army was led by King Ramiro Garcés.
The Fight at Estercuel
The main information about this battle comes from a historical book called the Muqtabis, written by Ibn Hayyan. This book used official records from that time.
According to these records, al-Tuyibi's forces met King Ramiro's army near a town called Estercuel. This town was about half a day's journey from Tudela, on a main road coming from Zaragoza.
Some Christian cavalry (soldiers on horseback) had spread out in the area. They were raiding and taking anything they could find. They even captured five men who were fishing in the valleys nearby.
The Chase and Retreat
The Christian soldiers were not very organized. They crossed the river Ebro at a shallow spot. Soon, four of their men were killed, and one was captured. From the captured man, the kaid learned that the Christian army had about 500 cavalrymen.
King Ramiro's army had marched from Sos, which was Ramiro's main castle. They thought the governor of Zaragoza was away fighting in Gormaz. So, they were surprised to find the Muslim forces there.
Because they were surprised, King Ramiro's army quickly headed towards the Christian castle of al-Qastil. The Muslim forces chased them the whole way. The chase likely happened across the dry Bardenas mountains and ended in the wooded valley of the river Aragón.
Aftermath of the Battle
Even though King Ramiro managed to escape to safety, his army suffered losses. Thirty-three of his men were killed. Among them were important leaders like Fortún Mahunis, Fortún López, and Jimeno Fortún. Also killed were captains named Íñigo Velázquez, Íñigo Galíndez, and García ibn Salit.
In addition, forty-seven of Ramiro's men were captured. Among Ramiro's belongings left behind, the Muslim forces found a silver-plated horn used for calling troops and a battle banner.
Later in 975, Ramiro's younger brother, Jimeno, was held as a hostage at the court of al-Hakam II in Córdoba. Some historians believe that Jimeno might have been exchanged to free Sancho II. It is thought that Sancho II might have been captured during the Battle of Estercuel, though this is not certain.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Estercuel para niños
