Crusader Knights Capture Lisbon After Siege
October 25th, 1147
October 25th, 1147
How Long Ago?
877 years, 4 months, 18 days ago
Location
Lisbon, Portugal
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Reconquista
People
- Afonso I of Portugal
- Henry of Portugal
- Bishop of Lisbon
Links & References
Tags
Crusader Knights Capture Lisbon After Siege
Crusader knights, alongside an allied force, succeeded after a four-month siege to capture the city of Lisbon from the Moors. This conquest occurred during the Second Crusade and exemplified the efforts to reclaim territories in the Iberian Peninsula. The siege's tactical elements included the use of siege engines and a blockade to starve the city into submission, ultimately allowing the crusaders to gain a strategic foothold. The aftermath saw the establishment of Christian control over Lisbon, contributing to the broader Christian Reconquista efforts in the region.
A four-month siege led by crusader knights.
Lisbon was a strategic coastal city.
Involved an alliance with Afonso I of Portugal.
Significant for the Reconquista's progress.
What Happened?
The siege of Lisbon in 1147 marked a notable military campaign during the ongoing Reconquista, a period characterized by the struggle between Christian kingdoms and Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Crusader forces, responding to a call from the Pope, participated as part of the larger Second Crusade, aiming to aid fellow Christians and recover territories from Muslim control. Prior to the siege, an alliance formed between the crusaders and the Portuguese King Afonso I, who desired assistance in his own campaign against the Moorish-held cities. The siege began in July 1147, featuring a combined military force of approximately 200 ships and thousands of crusader knights, forming a significant contingent from various European regions, including England and France. The defenders of Lisbon, under Moorish control, mounted fierce resistance but were ultimately unable to withstand the persistent onslaught. After four months of blockade and intense military action, the city of Lisbon fell to the crusaders on October 25, leading to a significant shift in the power dynamics of the region as Christian forces established control over an important coastal city. This pivotal moment laid the groundwork for further expansions of Christian rule as part of the Reconquista.
Why Does it Matter?
The capture of Lisbon had substantial implications for the Reconquista, signifying a crucial victory for the Christian forces in their efforts to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. It helped bolster the position of Afonso I and the Portuguese kingdom, ultimately paving the way for the formation of a united Christian front against the Moors. This success not only exemplified the military prowess of the crusaders but also encouraged subsequent crusading movements, emphasizing the interconnectedness of religious fervor and territorial conquest during this era.
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