The Siege of Málaga marked a critical phase in the long-lasting Reconquista, the centuries-old struggle between Muslim and Christian states on the Iberian Peninsula. Following the earlier success of Christian forces in Granada and other Moorish strongholds, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile directed their military efforts toward Málaga, an important city both strategically and economically. The siege commenced in 1487 with a well-planned encirclement of the city by troops, effectively cutting off supplies and reinforcements from the outside world. As the siege wore on, the Muslim defenders, led by their leader, resisted fiercely, employing both passive and active defenses that delayed the inevitable capture of the city. Throughout the siege, the besiegers utilized advanced artillery techniques, marking a transformation in siege warfare during this period.

Málaga was not only significant for its location but also contained an affluent population that included prominent Islamic cultural institutions. The siege was defined by its brutality, with noted casualties on both sides as skirmishes erupted regularly. Despite resilient efforts by the defenders, including negotiating for terms that initially delayed complete surrender, the Catholic Monarchs kept pounding the city. This relentless pressure culminated in a final assault, and by late August, the city succumbed to Christian rule. The victory was celebrated as a pivotal moment in the furthering of Christian control over southern Spain and established a precedent for future military engagements during the Reconquista.