Crusade of Barbastro facts for kids

The Crusade of Barbastro was a big military trip in 1064. It was approved by Pope Alexander II. The goal was to take the city of Barbastro in Spain. At that time, Barbastro was part of the Emirate of Lārida, ruled by the Hudid family.

A large army from all over Western Europe came together for this attack. They surrounded and took over the city. Some people call this event "a crusade before the crusades." This means it happened before the main Crusades to the Holy Land began.

The Big Expedition

In 1063, Pope Alexander II asked Christians to help in the Reconquista. This was a long effort to take back lands in Spain from Muslim rule. He called it a "Christian emergency."

Many people from different parts of Europe joined this effort. Soldiers from Burgundy and other parts of France came. There were also groups from Italy, mostly Normans. Local Catalan and Aragonese soldiers from Spain also joined.

Who Led the Armies?

The Pope's group was led by a Norman named William of Montreuil. The Spanish soldiers were led by Sancho Ramírez, King of Aragón and Navarre. His kingdom was very close to the Muslim lands.

The biggest group came from Aquitaine, led by Duke William VIII of Aquitaine. He was seen as the main leader of the Christian forces. Many historians agree that a large number of Frankish knights were part of this big army.

The March to Barbastro

Duke William of Aquitaine led his army through the Pyrenees mountains. He met the Catalan army in Girona in early 1064.

Then, the whole army marched towards Barbastro. The city was part of the taifa of Lleida, ruled by Al-Muzaffar. The army surrounded Barbastro and attacked it for 40 days. After this long siege, the city finally gave up.

What Happened After Barbastro Was Taken?

When the city surrendered, the Christian leaders promised to protect the Muslim people and their belongings. However, this promise was quickly broken.

Some reports say that the soldiers inside Barbastro offered to leave the city and give up their property if their lives were spared. This was agreed upon. But when they came out, the attacking soldiers did not keep their word.

The soldiers who took the city searched it and took many valuable things. They also captured many people. It is said that a huge amount of treasure was taken. The city's new ruler was Armengol III of Urgel, who was related to King Sancho Ramírez.

The City Is Retaken

The Christian forces held Barbastro for about ten months. But on April 17, 1065, Muslim forces easily took the city back.

One of the Burgundian leaders, Thibaut, died on his way back to France. He might have been hurt during the fighting or from sickness after the campaign.

See also

In Spanish: Cruzada de Barbastro para niños