Velasco the Basque facts for kids

Velasco the Basque (also known as Balask al-Galaski in Arabic) was an important leader of the Basques in Pamplona during the early 800s. He played a key role in the history of the region.

Velasco Becomes Leader

Velasco likely became the ruler of Pamplona around the year 799. This happened during a time of big changes when the local people rose up against the Umayyad rulers who were in charge of Pamplona. During this uprising, a leader named Muṭarrif ibn Mūsa was killed.

Velasco was seen as a leader who supported the Franks, a powerful empire in Europe at that time. In 806, old records show that the people of Navarre and Pamplona, who had previously sided with the "Saracens" (a term often used for Muslims), rejoined the Frankish empire. This suggests Velasco was working closely with the Franks.

Conflict with Córdoba

In 816, a powerful general from the Emirate of Córdoba (a Muslim state in Spain), named ʿAbd al-Karīm, led an army against Velasco. The records from that time describe Velasco as the "lord of Pamplona" and an "enemy of God" from the Cordoban point of view.

Velasco did not get help from his Frankish allies during this time. In fact, the governor of Zaragoza, who would later become the ruler ʿAbd al-Raḥmān II, even sent a message to the Frankish emperor, Louis the Pious, possibly to stop the Franks from helping Velasco.

The Battle and Defeat

Velasco did receive help from the nearby Kingdom of Asturias, which was a Christian kingdom. This help included some Basques from the Álava region.

After thirteen days of tough fighting along the Arum river, Velasco and his allies were defeated. The leader from Álava, García López, was killed. This García was related to King Alfonso II of Asturias. Other important people who died in the battle included Sancho, described as the "best knight of Pamplona," and a leader named Ṣaltān. Ṣaltān was likely the head of a group of Basques who still followed older, non-Christian beliefs.

Even though they lost the battle, the Basques managed to block the rivers and mountain passes. This stopped the Cordoban army from moving forward and attacking more areas.

Velasco's End

After his defeat in 816, Velasco is not mentioned in historical records anymore. By the year 824, a new leader named Íñigo Arista was ruling Pamplona.

See also

In Spanish: Velasco el Gascón para niños