Battle of Clavijo

The battles of Clavijo is a battle, probably legendary, which opposed to the 9th century Ramire I {{er}}, king of the Asturies with armed Moor with 'Abd Al-Rahmān II.

In 844, Ramire I {{er}} (791 - 842 - 850), tenth descendant of Pelayo, comes to undergo a severe defeat with Albelda, vis-a-vis the army of 'Abd Al-Rahmān II (785 - 822 - 852.)

Being withdrawn on the close hill of Clavijo to spend the night. holy Jacques appears to him in dream, encourages it to take again the weapons the following day and ensures it of its protection. During this new combat, assembled on a étincelant destrier of whiteness, the apostle lends strong hand to its protected, that it leads to the victory, and releases from the tribute of the hundred virgins whom the emir perceived each year since the reign of Mauregatus (783 - 788), seventh king of Asturies.

The May 25th 844, as a sign of gratitude, king Ramire instituted Voto of Santiago, a tribute due to the cathedral of Compostelle, renewable each year, on cereals, by the farmers of the North of the Spain. It will be abolished only in 1812 by the Cortes of Cadiz.

The historians underlined the improbabilities of the legend. The only unquestionable battle opposed in fact, nearly one century later, in 938 and in Siriancas, Ramiro II (892 - 930 - 950) with 'Abd Al-Rahmān III Al-Nāsir (889 - 912 - 961.)

It is the first historical demonstration of Jacques saint in matamore. These mythical events had on reappearing Spain a considerable effect. The echo of the victory of Clavijo, that it is true or false, mobilized a whole people and transformed a whole of regional wars into national crusade, the Reconquista.

After this battle the war cry became: “¡ Santiago will cierra España there! ” which can result in “Jacques Saint and remains firm Spain! ”

See too

Chronic Mozarabs

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