Ovejuna

Ovejuna is a village located in the province of Córdoba, Andalusia, southern Spain. Historically, it is most renowned for the events surrounding the 15th-century revolt known as the "Rebellion of Ovejuna" (Spanish: La Rebelión de Ovejuna). This uprising took place in 1476 during a period of social unrest and is considered a significant example of collective resistance against tyranny and abuse by local authorities.

The rebellion was sparked by the oppressive behavior of the local commander, Rodrigo de Vivar, who subjected the villagers to violence and extortion. In response, the residents of Ovejuna, united in their frustration, murdered Vivar. Following his death, the villagers refused to name individual culprits, instead uniformly declaring that "Ovejuna did it," a statement that symbolized communal solidarity and resistance.

The events of Ovejuna have been immortalized in works of literature and drama, most notably in Lope de Vega’s famous play "El Hombre, Fray Luis de León," which dramatizes the villagers’ collective action and the moral questions surrounding justice and loyalty. The rebellion is often cited as an emblem of collective courage and the power of community agency in resistance movements.

Today, Ovejuna remains a small rural community, with its history celebrated through local festivals and cultural remembrance. The site serves as a symbol of collective defiance and is studied in historical and literary contexts for its impact on regional and national notions of justice and social resistance.