Battle of Tamarón facts for kids
The Battle of Tamarón was an important fight that happened on September 4, 1037. It was between Ferdinand, who was the Count of Castile, and Vermudo III, the King of León. Ferdinand had married Vermudo's sister, Sancha. After a short war, Ferdinand won the battle and Vermudo was killed near Tamarón, Spain. Because of this victory, Ferdinand became the new King of León.
Contents
The Start of the Conflict
Ferdinand's father, Sancho the Great, was a very powerful ruler. He had given Ferdinand control over Castile as early as 1029. In 1034, Sancho had even taken over the important city of León. This forced King Vermudo to hide in Galicia.
After Sancho the Great died in 1035, Vermudo returned to León. He then started a war to get back control of the Tierra de Campos. This was a region between the Cea and Pisuerga rivers. Castile and León had argued over this land for a long time, even since the 900s. Ferdinand believed this land belonged to his wife, Sancha, as part of her dowry (a gift given when she married).
The Battle Unfolds
It is clear that King Vermudo started the war that led to his death. Ferdinand also had a claim to be the next king because Vermudo had no children and Ferdinand was married to Vermudo's sister. Ferdinand's army was smaller than Vermudo's. So, he asked his brother, García Sánchez III of Navarre, for help.
During the battle, King Vermudo fell from his horse. He was then surrounded by enemies and killed while trying to reach Ferdinand. Seven of his knights also died fighting with him. After Vermudo's death, his army likely broke apart. There are no more details about the battle after the king was killed.
After the Victory
After winning the battle, Ferdinand quickly took control of León. He was accepted as the new king, even though he wasn't officially crowned until June 22, 1038. King Vermudo was buried in the Panteón de los Reyes (Pantheon of the Kings) in the Basilica of San Isidoro in León.
Historians believe the battle took place near Tamarón, which is a suburb of Burgos. Old writings say Vermudo crossed a border and fought Ferdinand in the valley of Sambol. Some people in the 1200s thought the battle was in Támara de Campos, but this is likely incorrect.
When Did It Happen?
The exact date of the battle is known from old records. Vermudo's last known document was signed on June 9, 1037. A document from January 9, 1038, already talks about Ferdinand's rule. This means the battle and Vermudo's death happened between these two dates. An old book called a psalter that belonged to Ferdinand states that King Vermudo died on September 4, 1037.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Tamarón para niños
