Battle of the Burbia River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Río Burbia |
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| Part of the Reconquista | |||||||
 Division of the Iberian Peninsula between the Emirate of Córdoba, the Kingdom of Asturias and the Carolingian Empire in 814. |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Kingdom of Asturias |
Emirate of Córdoba | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Bermudo I of Asturias |
Yusuf ibn Bujt Hisham I of Córdoba |
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The Battle of Río Burbia was an important fight that happened in the year 791. It took place near the Burbia River, in a part of Spain called Villafranca del Bierzo. This battle was between the army of the Kingdom of Asturias (a Christian kingdom in northern Spain) and the army of the Emirate of Córdoba (a Muslim state in southern Spain).
King Bermudo I of Asturias led the Asturian forces. The Muslim army was led by Yusuf ibn Bujt, under the rule of Hisham I of Córdoba. This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the Reconquista. The Reconquista was a long period when Christian kingdoms tried to take back land from Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. The Battle of Río Burbia ended with a victory for the Emirate of Córdoba.
Contents
The Battle Begins
The leader of the Emirate, Hisham I of Córdoba, wanted to take over the Kingdom of Asturias. To do this, he sent two large armies. One army was sent to conquer Galicia, a region in northwest Spain. The second army was sent to take control of the western Basque lands.
A Surprise Attack
After their conquests, Hisham I's army was returning to Córdoba. They were carrying many valuable things they had taken. The Asturian army saw this as a chance to attack. They planned a surprise ambush.
The Outcome
However, the Cordoban army had a very skilled general named Yusuf ibn Bujt. He was able to quickly react to the Asturian attack. Not only did he stop their ambush, but he also turned the fight around. The Cordoban army managed to defeat the Asturians, turning what was meant to be a surprise attack into a big victory for them.
What Happened Next
The defeat at Río Burbia had big consequences for the Kingdom of Asturias.
King Bermudo Steps Down
Because of the loss, King Bermudo I decided to give up his throne. He chose to step down as king. He was replaced by Alfonso II of Asturias. Alfonso II was the son of King Fruela I of Asturias. He was also the grandson of Alfonso I of Asturias and the great-grandson of Pelagius of Asturias.
A New Capital and Coronation
One of the first things King Alfonso II did was move the capital city. He moved it to a place called Ovetao, which is now known as Oviedo. On September 14, 791, Alfonso II was crowned king. His coronation followed the old traditions of the Visigothic kings in Toledo.
Bermudo's Later Life
After giving up his crown, Bermudo went back to his earlier life as a churchman. He died in the year 797. People remembered him as a kind, generous, and important king.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla del río Burbia para niños
