Ordoño I of Asturias facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ordoño I
King of Asturias
Reign	850–866
Predecessor	Ramiro I
Successor	Alfonso III
Born	c. 821 Oviedo
Died	27 May 866 Oviedo
Burial	Cathedral of San Salvador, Oviedo
Consort	Muniadona or Nuña
Issue	Alfonso III of Asturias
Dynasty	Astur-Leonese dynasty
Father	Ramiro I of Asturias
Religion	Chalcedonian Christianity

Ordoño I (born around 821 – died May 27, 866) was a powerful king of Asturias. He ruled from 850 until his death. During his time, he worked hard to expand his kingdom. He also defended it against attacks from different groups.

Early Life and Education

Ordoño I was born in Oviedo, a city in Spain. He spent his early years at the royal court. This was the home of King Alfonso II. Ordoño was likely involved with royal life from a young age.

He probably grew up in Lugo, a city in Galicia. His father, Ramiro, was the governor there. Ordoño received a good education in Lugo. He also learned important military skills.

Becoming King

Ordoño's father, Ramiro, became king. Before this, Ramiro had gone to marry his second wife. While he was away, King Alfonso II died. Some nobles chose a different person, Count Nepocian, to be king.

Ordoño quickly started gathering an army. He wanted to help his father claim the throne. But he could not leave his post in Galicia. So, his army did not fight. When his father won, he confirmed Ordoño's position as governor.

On February 1, 850, Ordoño became king. He was the first Asturian king to inherit the throne directly. This meant he did not need to be elected.

Battles and Expansion

Ordoño's first challenge came from the Basques. They rebelled with help from the Banu Qasi family. This family ruled Zaragoza. Ordoño defeated the rebels.

On his way back to Oviedo, he heard bad news. The Moors were planning to attack. Ordoño met them near the Ebro River and defeated them. These victories were important.

However, the governor of Zaragoza, Musa ibn Musa, built a strong city. This city was called Albaida, or Albelda. In 859, Ordoño fought Musa at Albelda. He won the battle and destroyed the city.

Rebuilding and Settling New Lands

Ordoño supported the Mozarabs. These were Christians living under Moorish rule. He tried to help them rebel in 854. This attempt did not go well.

But this failure made him stronger. He decided to settle the "Desert of the Duero." This was an empty area between his kingdom and the Duero River. He led the repoblación (repopulation) of many towns.

These towns included León, Talamanca, Astorga, Tui, and Amaya. This helped to expand and secure his kingdom.

Challenges and Setbacks

Ordoño wanted to control the area near Tudela. This would give him control over Navarre and the Basque Country. But the Emirate of Córdoba fought back.

They invaded and attacked Álava. At Bureba, the Arabs defeated Rodrigo. He was the first count of Castile. This loss slowed down the Reconquista for many years. The Reconquista was the effort to retake land from the Moors.

Family and Legacy

Ordoño married a woman named Muniadona. They had six children together. His most famous child was his successor, Alfonso III.

Ordoño I died in Oviedo on May 27, 866. His eldest son, Alfonso III, became the next king. Ordoño's reign was important for expanding the Asturian kingdom. He also helped to strengthen its defenses.

See also

In Spanish: Ordoño I de Asturias para niños