Historical Events tagged with "conquest"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Moorish Troops Land at Gibraltar

April 27th, 711 1314 years ago

Moorish troops, commanded by Tariq ibn Ziyad, made their historic landing at Gibraltar, initiating the invasion of the Iberian Peninsula, which would later be known as Al-Andalus. This strategic move marked the beginning of an extensive military campaign, driven by the desire to expand the Umayyad Caliphate's influence in the region. The troops were subjected to challenging conditions but set the stage for significant territorial changes in Europe.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

'Amr ibn al-'As's Victory at Heliopolis

July 6th, 640 1384 years ago

The Muslim Arab army, led by 'Amr ibn al-'As, faced the Byzantine forces near Heliopolis, Egypt, deploying tactical maneuvers that led to a decisive victory. With a smaller and more mobile force, 'Amr executed a surprise attack on the Byzantians, catching them off guard. This defeat marked a significant moment in the Muslim conquests of the region, as it opened the door to further advances into Egypt, aiding the rapid expansion of Islam.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Khalid ibn al-Walid's Victory at Yarmouk

August 20th, 636 1388 years ago

The Battle of Yarmouk was a decisive confrontation between Arab forces under Khalid ibn al-Walid and the Byzantine Empire, taking place near the Yarmouk River. It lasted for several days and resulted in the overwhelming defeat of the Byzantine army, marking a key moment in the Muslim conquests. Khalid's strategic brilliance and the effective use of mobility allowed the Arab forces to exploit the terrain and disrupt Byzantine formations. The battle solidified Muslim control over the Levant and set the stage for further expansion into Byzantine territories.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Vandals and Alans invade Hispania

October 13th, 409 1615 years ago

The Vandals and Alans crossed the Pyrenees into Hispania, marking a significant migration. This movement resulted from pressures on these groups in their homelands and a search for new territory. Their entry into the Iberian Peninsula was characterized by skirmishes and looting, as local Roman authorities struggled to respond to this incursion. The Vandals and Alans, seeking refuge and resources, transformed the socio-political landscape of Hispania during the early 5th century.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

General Siyaj K'ak' Captures Tikal for Teotihuacán

January 16th, 378 1647 years ago

General Siyaj K'ak' successfully conquered the city of Tikal, a significant Mayan center located in present-day Guatemala. This major military campaign significantly enlarged the domain of King Spearthrower Owl of Teotihuacán, reflecting the influence of Teotihuacán in Maya politics and military affairs. The fall of Tikal not only demonstrated the strategic prowess of Siyaj K'ak' but also marked a shift in the regional power dynamics, as Tikal had been an important player in Maya civilization.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Julian's Campaign Against the Sasanian Empire

March 5th, 363 1662 years ago

Roman Emperor Julian departed from Antioch with an army of approximately 90,000 soldiers, aiming to confront the Sasanian Empire. His campaign was motivated by a desire to reclaim territories lost to the Sasanian forces and to solidify his position as a formidable leader. The march commenced with great enthusiasm, as Julian sought to expand the Roman influence in the East. However, this ambitious military endeavor would ultimately lead to significant challenges and fatal consequences for Julian himself.

Continue Reading