Basque Country Gallery

The Death of Roland at Roncesvalles, (778AD), 1890. Creator: Unknown

The Death of Roland at Roncesvalles, (778AD), 1890. The Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 was a Basque ambush of Charlemagne's army which resulted in the death of Roland who became iconic in medieval European folklore as a noble Christian killed by Islamic forces. From "Cassell's Illustrated Universal History, Vol. III - The Middle Ages", by Edmund Ollier. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris and Melbourne, 1890. ]

© The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Paulino Uzcudun, Spanish boxer, 1938

Paulino Uzcudun, Spanish boxer, 1938. Nicknamed the Basque Woodchopper, Uzcudun (1899-1985) is regarded as the best heavyweight boxer to come out of Spain. He was European champion three times, and fought some of the greatest heavyweights of his era, including Joe Louis, Max Baer, Max Schmeling (three times) and Primo Carnera (twice) during a 70 fight career, with 50 wins, 17 losses and 3 draws. Uzcudun was never knocked down in the ring until his final fight in 1935, when he lost on a technical knockout to Joe Louis after being put down by an uppercut in the 4th round. A Churchman's Cigarettes picture card

© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images