Battle of Artaza

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Battle of Artaza
Part of First Carlist War
The Battle of Artaza
The Battle of Artaza

Date April 20-22, 1835
Location Artaza (Améscoa Baja), Spain
Result Carlist victory
Belligerents
Carlists supporting

Infante Carlos of Spain

Liberals (Isabelinos or Cristinos) supporting
Isabella II of Spain and her regent mother Maria Christina
Commanders
Tomás de Zumalacárregui Jerónimo Valdés
Strength
5,000 16,000

The Battle of Artaza (La acción de Artaza) was a battle that occurred on April 20-22, 1835 during the First Carlist War. Jerónimo Valdés, at the time Minister of War, arrived at the area known as Las Amescoas with 16,000 men with the intention of definitively destroying the Carlist forces.[1]

Zumalacárregui had 5,000 men, but had the advantage of knowing the terrain and practicing guerrilla tactics.[2]

Fields of Artaza in Améscoa Baja seen from Zudaire.
Fields of Artaza in Améscoa Baja seen from Zudaire.

Valdes’ troops maneuvered up the mountains in the area. The Carlists, meanwhile, were hidden in the foliage, and were able to harass the Liberal troops day and night until the Liberals gave way.[3] The total casualties were 700 men.[4]

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