Battle of Pancorbo (816) facts for kids

Partial view over the town and pass of Pancorbo

The Battle of Pancorbo was an important fight that happened in the year 816. It was fought between a Muslim army from the Emirate of Córdoba and Christian forces. The Muslim army was led by Abd al-Karim. The Christian side was led by Velasco, who supported the Franks. This battle took place when the Cordoban army tried to cross a mountain pass at Pancorbo in Spain.

The Cordoban army won the battle. This victory was a big reason why the Basques rebelled. It also helped Íñigo Arista of Pamplona become a very important leader in the region.

What Led to the Battle?

The Emirate of Córdoba was a powerful Muslim kingdom in Spain. At this time, it was having some internal problems. The ruler, Al-Hakam I, was fighting against his uncles. They had rebelled after the previous ruler, Hisham I of Córdoba, died.

Other groups saw this as a chance to gain power. The Franks, from what is now France, wanted to help. In 798, they met to plan with Alfonso II of Asturias and Bahlul Ibn Marzuq. Their goal was to take control of a northern area called the Upper March.

Things didn't go exactly as planned. The Kingdom of Asturias attacked Lisbon in 797. Velasco took control of Pamplona in 798. Later, in 801, the Franks successfully captured Barcelona.

In 801, the Arabs, led by Muawiya, attacked areas like Álava and Castile. They were surprised by Velasco, a Basque commander. His forces attacked them near La Puebla de Arganzón. This surprise attack caused a big defeat for the Arab army. Muawiya had to go back to Córdoba. Many of his best fighters were lost.

Later, in 803, Basque troops and the Banu Qasi family took over Tutila. But the city was soon taken back by the Cordobans.

By 806, Pamplona and nearby Basque lands were again under Frankish control. Velasco was in charge there. He was a loyal supporter of Charlemagne, the Frankish emperor. In 812, another Frankish leader, Seguin, was put in charge in Bordeaux. But when Charlemagne died, the Basques started to cause trouble again.

The Battle of Pancorbo

In 816, Abd al-Karim led a Muslim army into the lands allied with the Franks. They attacked the valley of Orón. Velasco, the leader of Pamplona, asked the Kingdom of Asturias for help. He gathered an army to fight the Muslim forces.

The two armies met near Pancorbo. The battle lasted for thirteen days. The Basques tried to defend themselves using the rough land. They blocked rivers and ravines with logs. They also dug trenches and pits. These defenses made it hard for the Cordobans to get through.

Finally, the Christian-Basque forces tried to attack. They attempted to cross a river. But the Cordobans had blocked the crossing. They attacked the Basques with swords and spears. Many soldiers died by falling off cliffs around the battle area. Heavy rains then made things worse for the Basques. Their defenses were ruined.

Velasco was killed in the battle. Three other important Basque-Asturian leaders also died. These included Garcia ibn Lubb, Sancho, and a pagan warrior named Ṣaltān. Their army had to retreat. Even though the Cordobans won, they also faced problems. Many of their soldiers left the battlefield after the victory.

What Happened Next?

The defeat of the Asturian-Basque army had big effects. It led to a general revolt by the Basques against the Frankish rulers. This battle also helped Íñigo Arista of Pamplona become a very powerful Basque leader in the region.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Pancorbo para niños