| Siege of Abrantes (1179) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Reconquista and Spanish Christian–Muslim War of 1172–1212 | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 Kingdom of Portugal |
 Almohad Caliphate | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Unknown |
Yaqub al-Mansur | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 9 dead | Large number of casualties | ||||||
The siege of Abrantes in 1179 was a military confrontation of the Reconquista between Portuguese and Almohad forces. The Muslims attempted to conquer Abrantes but were utterly defeated by the city's defenders.[1]
In 1178, after a period of Portuguese military successes, Prince Sancho of Portugal launched a big offensive against the Almohad Caliphate. It would be known as the "Great Triana Raid" and the result was an astonishing victory for the Catholic forces.[2] This triumph greatly contributed to King Afonso's attempts at getting Papal acknowledgment of Portuguese independence. However, it also generated a swift response from the Almohad armed forces.[2]
In the following year, the son of the Almohad Caliph entered with his army into Portuguese territory, crossed the Alentejo and laid siege to the city of Abrantes.[1] The Portuguese soldiers bravely defended themselves and the castle of the city, inflicting a large number of casualties on the Muslims.[2] After 4 days of unsuccessful attempts at conquering the castle and lack of supplies, the Muslim leader was forced to retreat with his forces.[1][3] It appears that this campaign was not carefully planned after all.[3]
Although the Portuguese were able to resist this particular attack, the Almohads did not give up and in the next year already they attacked and destroyed the city of Coruche. Yet, within two years, it was reconstructed.[1] In 1181, after the previous attack, the Muslim forces once again invaded Portugal. This time the target was the city of Évora, but the attack ultimately failed.[4]
- ^ a b c d McMurdo, Edward (1888). The History of Portugal: From the Commencement of the Monarchy to the Reign of Alfonso III. S. Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington. p. 230.
- ^ a b c Lay, S. (2008-11-28). The Reconquest Kings of Portugal: Political and Cultural Reorientation on the Medieval Frontier. Springer. p. 151. ISBN 978-0-230-58313-9.
- ^ a b Jensen, Kurt Villads (2016-10-14). Crusading at the Edges of Europe: Denmark and Portugal c.1000 – c.1250. Taylor & Francis. p. 270. ISBN 978-1-317-15670-3.
- ^ Stephens, H. Morse (2021-05-19). The Story of the Nations: Portugal: Unveiling Portugal's Rich Historical Tapestry. Good Press.