Portuguese conquest of Ceuta

Portuguese Conquest of Ceuta
Panel of azulejos by Jorge Colaço (1864–1942) at the São Bento railway station, depicting Prince Henry the Navigator during the conquest of Ceuta
Date 21 August 1415[1] Location Ceuta, Marinid dynasty (part of modern-day Spain) 35°53′45″N 5°18′01″W / 35.89583°N 5.30028°W / 35.89583; -5.30028 Result Decisive Portuguese victory Decline of the Marinid Sultanate Beginning of the Portuguese Empire
Belligerents
Kingdom of Portugal	Marinid dynasty
Commanders and leaders
John I of Portugal Prince-heir Edward. Prince Henry 'the Navigator' (WIA) Prince Pedro Constable Nuno Álvares Pereira Dom Pedro de Meneses Afonso de Portugal Master of Christ Dom Lopo Dias de Sousa Prior of Crato Dom Álvaro Gonçalves Camelo Master of Santiago Dom Fernando Afonso de Albuquerque	Salah Ben Salah[2]
Strength
45,000[3] or 50,000[4] men, including: 5,385 royal host[5] 9,000 infantry[5] 3,000 foot crossbowmen[5] 1,900 mounted crossbowmen[5] 1,700 sailors[5] About 200 ships: 153 carracks or cogs 59 oarships 15 galleys[6]	Unknown
Casualties and losses
8 men † [2][7]	Several thousands killed or taken prisoners 1 cannon captured[8]

The Portuguese conquest of Ceuta took place on 21 August 1415, between Portuguese forces under the command of King John I of Portugal and the Marinid sultanate of Morocco at the city of Ceuta. The city's defenses fell under Portuguese control after a carefully prepared attack, and the successful capture of the city marked the beginning of the Portuguese Empire. Ceuta was held under Portuguese control until being transferred to Spain in 1668.