Following the completion of the Reconquista in 1492, the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, sought to consolidate their control over the newly acquired territories in Granada, which had a significant Muslim population. In an effort to enforce Catholicism and assimilate the Moriscos, the Spanish crown implemented policies of forced conversion and cultural repression that intensified communal tensions. These measures were deeply resented, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the Muslim community, who felt their traditional social structures and religious identities were under threat.

The revolt broke out in December 1499 in the Alpujarras mountains, an area heavily populated by Moriscos. The initial skirmishes were spontaneous, rooted in the frustration of the locals against the ostensibly intolerant policies of the Spanish crown. Leaders among the Moriscos rallied insurgent forces, engaging in fierce resistance against royal troops. The rebellion soon escalated into a larger conflict involving multiple villages and highlighted the deep-seated grievances of the Morisco population.

In retaliation, the Spanish authorities launched brutal measures to quell the uprising. The rebels, though initially successful in various engagements, faced overwhelming military force and were ultimately suppressed. Despite the initial hopes for a more inclusive society, the culmination of violence led to a further crackdown on the Moriscos, paving the way for increased persecution in subsequent years. This period marked a significant deterioration in relations between Muslim converts and the Crown, setting the tone for future civil unrest in Spain.