James I of Aragon, known for his ambitious military campaigns, launched an invasion of Majorca with the aim of reclaiming the island from Muslim rule. After extensive planning and gathering a large contingent of troops, he landed on the island in the fall of the year, intending to capture Medina Mayurqa, the major city of the island. The siege of Medina Mayurqa was marked by fierce fighting; the Muslim defenders put up substantial resistance but were ultimately outmaneuvered by James' well-organized military forces. On New Year’s Eve, James I finally breached the defenses and made his grand entry into the city, finding it a significant stronghold for Muslim rule since the early 11th century. This moment not only showcased the military prowess of James I but also his commitment to the Christian Reconquista, as he aimed to extend Aragonese territory and influence in the western Mediterranean.

The aftermath of the capture was profound, as it shifted the balance of power on the island. James I ordered the fortification of Medina Mayurqa and initiated efforts to populate the area with Christian settlers, promoting a new era for Majorca characterized by Christian customs and governance. This transition had lasting effects on the island's demographic and cultural landscape, with the new church and state structures replacing the previous Muslim authorities. Moreover, James' conquest was heralded as a crucial step in the wider Reconquista, which sought to reclaim Iberian territories from Muslim rule over several centuries.