(died c. 778) French hero whose real and legendary deeds of valor and chivalry inspired many medieval and later romances, including the 11th-century Chanson de Roland and Ariosto’s Orlando furioso. A knight of Charlemagne, Roland was killed 778 with his friend Oliver and the 12 peers of France at Roncesvalles (in the Pyrenees) by Basques. He headed the rearguard during Charlemagne’s retreat from his invasion of Spain.

1. City in Iowa (USA); zip code 50236.
2. Town in Oklahoma (USA); zip code 74954.