Battle of Morella facts for kids

The Battle of Morella was an important fight that happened around 1084 or 1088 near Morella, in what is now Spain. It was part of the Reconquista, a long period when Christian kingdoms in Spain tried to take back land from Muslim rulers. In this battle, Sancho Ramírez, who was the King of Aragon and Navarre, fought against Yusuf al-Mu'tamin, the King of Zaragoza. A famous warrior named Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, also known as El Cid, fought for the King of Zaragoza. This battle was a big defeat for King Sancho and changed things for a short time in the Christian effort to expand their lands.

What Was the Battle of Morella?

The Battle of Morella took place between the Christian forces of King Sancho Ramírez and the Muslim forces of King Yusuf al-Mu'tamin. Historians are not completely sure about the exact date of the battle. It happened sometime between 1084 and 1088.

King Sancho Ramírez was trying to conquer more land from the Muslim kingdom of Zaragoza. In 1084, he attacked the Zaragoza kingdom. He captured a town called Arguedas and later Secastilla. These were important places for defending his own lands.

Meanwhile, El Cid, a famous Castilian knight, was working for the King of Zaragoza. He led a five-day raid into Aragon. El Cid then moved towards the area around Morella, even making the castle at Olocau stronger.

King Sancho, who had avoided fighting El Cid during the raid, joined forces with Mundhir al-Hayib, the ruler of Denia, Lleida, and Tortosa. They set up camp near the Ebro River.

Who Won the Battle?

When the two armies finally met, El Cid's forces won a huge victory. This happened in mid-August, likely on August 14. Some records suggest the battle was on May 25. The exact year is also debated, with some historians saying 1084 and others 1088. However, many experts believe 1084 makes more sense with other events of that time.

What Happened to the Prisoners?

After the battle, El Cid chased the fleeing Christian soldiers. He captured about 2,000 Aragonese and Navarrese prisoners. Some of these prisoners were very important people.

Here are some of the notable people captured:

• Ramón Dalmacio, who was the Bishop of Roda.
• Sancho Sánchez, Count of Pamplona, who was the nephew of King Sancho IV of Navarre.
• Blasco Garcés, a royal official.
• Seven important leaders from Aragon and Navarre, known as tenentes, who managed different areas.
• Five people from León and Castile, who were likely living in exile from their own king.

El Cid also took many valuable things from King Sancho's camp. He brought a huge amount of treasure back to Zaragoza. People from Zaragoza even came out to greet him at Fuentes to celebrate his victory.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Morella para niños