On Sunday, August 11, King Charles’ army departed from Pamplona and, after four days of grueling march, established his camp on the plains of Errozabal (Rencesvals) by Wednesday, August 14. On the following day, Thursday, August 15, 778, the Frankish forces moved from Errozabal, ascending through the height of Ibañeta towards the Zize Pass.
According to the Saxon Poet, the Basques engaged the Franks in battle at Errozabal "once again", indicating previous encounters had occurred along the journey from Pamplona to Errozabal. This series of skirmishes extended over at least five days as the Franks retreated through southern Vasconia.
All historical accounts explicitly mention the conflict as being between the Franks and Basques only, with no involvement of Muslims. Any references to Muslims participating are entirely literary and were recorded centuries after the actual events, hence they are not supported by historiography. Furthermore, Arab sources omit any mention of the battle, highlighting their non-participation and lack of concern with these events.
