ORDER OF BATTLE // June 7, 1808
Battle of Alcolea Bridge
Estimated force strength by side, with confidence labels per surviving record.
Forces engaged
2 sides catalogued · combined 21,000 estimated
First French Empire
18,000
Medium-confidence figure
Spain
3,000
Medium-confidence figure
Battle context
The Battle of Alcolea Bridge took place on 7 June 1808 near the village of Alcolea, approximately 10 km from Córdoba. The engagement preceded the French entry into Córdoba, which was occupied later the same afternoon. With Pierre Dupont commanding a force of 18,000 French troops against roughly 3,000 Spanish under Pedro Echávarri, the disparity in strength was substantial. The action at the bridge served as the immediate preliminary to the French seizure of Córdoba during the opening phase of the Peninsular War.
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