In the year 865,
Muhammad I of Córdoba attacked the
Kingdom of Asturias during the reign of
Ordoño I. Christian forces under the command of
Rodrigo of Castile, the count of Castile, were attacked in the gorge of
Hoz de la Morcuera. The Muslim forces surprised the Christian forces throughout the
Miranda de Ebro valley and the fighting carried all the way to
Añana. After retreating from the general area,
Rodrigo of Castile attempted to cut off the Muslim escape route at
Pancorbo, but failed when the Muslims gained knowledge of his intentions. They escaped by way of the basin of the
Oja River. This defeat caused a general halt to the re-population efforts undertaken by the Christians in the area of Meseta Central, a job that Ordoño I's son,
Alfonso III of Asturias would continue throughout his own reign. Alfonso III would also there deal with sectors of the Asturian nobility who had desires for independence.
Muhammad I of Córdoba took advantage of the disabilities encountered by the Christians when they further lost the fortresses of Cerezo Río Tirón, Ibrillos and Grañón to send new waves of attack in 866 and 867. == See also ==