Historical Events tagged with "reconquista"

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

James I Captures Medina Mayurqa

December 31st, 1229 795 years ago

James I of Aragon successfully entered Medina Mayurqa, now known as Palma, leading a military campaign against the Muslim forces that occupied Majorca. His forces besieged the city, marking a significant victory during the broader Christian Reconquista. The capture of the city symbolized not only a strategic gain but also a cultural shift as the island shifted back under Christian control. James I’s entry is celebrated as a pivotal moment in the history of Majorca.

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Military & Warfare

Aragonese Army Conquers Majorca Under James I

September 12th, 1229 795 years ago

In 1229, the Aragonese army led by King James I of Aragon disembarked at Santa Ponça, Majorca, with the objective to conquer the island from Muslim rule. This marked the beginning of an important military campaign aimed at expanding the Christian territories in the Mediterranean. Following the landing, the forces quickly engaged local Muslim defenders in battle, leading to significant changes in the region's control and a shift in power dynamics.

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Military & Warfare

Decisive Victory at Las Navas de Tolosa

July 16th, 1212 812 years ago

During a call from Pope Innocent III, European knights united under the banners of Kings Alfonso VIII of Castile, Sancho VII of Navarre, Peter II of Aragon, and Afonso II of Portugal to confront the forces of the Almohad leader. The battle, fought in southern Spain, marked a crucial turning point in the Reconquista. The allied Christian forces engaged in a fierce confrontation, ultimately leading to a decisive victory that would shift the balance of power in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Almohads Defeat Castilian Army at Alarcos

July 18th, 1195 829 years ago

The Battle of Alarcos saw Almohad forces led by Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur achieve a decisive victory against the Castilian army commanded by Alfonso VIII. The battle occurred near the town of Alarcos, in the province of Ciudad Real, Spain. The encounter was marked by fierce fighting and strategic maneuvers, culminating in a successful flanking attack by the Almohad forces that forced the Castilian army into retreat, significantly weakening Alfonso's position in the ongoing conflicts over territorial control in the Iberian Peninsula.

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Military & Warfare

Crusader Knights Capture Lisbon After Siege

October 25th, 1147 877 years ago

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.

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Politics & Government

Alfonso VII crowned Emperor of all Spain

May 26th, 1135 889 years ago

In León Cathedral, Alfonso VII of León and Castile was crowned as 'Imperator totius Hispaniae', marking a significant moment in medieval Spanish history. This event was orchestrated to solidify Alfonso's power following the death of his mother in 1131 and the subsequent royal struggles for control in León and Castile. The ceremony not only elevated Alfonso's status but also symbolized the unity of various Christian kingdoms in the face of ongoing Muslim advances in the Iberian Peninsula.

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Politics & Government

Alfonso VII Proclaimed King of León

March 8th, 1126 899 years ago

Following the death of Queen Urraca, her son Alfonso VII was proclaimed King of León. The ceremony marked a significant transition of power within the Iberian Peninsula. Alfonso's reign began under the shadows of his mother's turbulent rule. The event took place in León, a significant center of political power, and was celebrated by the nobles and clerics who supported the new king's legitimacy amidst the political unrest of the time.

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Military & Warfare

King Alfonso I Conquers Zaragoza from Almoravid

December 18th, 1118 906 years ago

King Alfonso I of Aragon successfully captured the city of Zaragoza from the Almoravid forces. This conquest marked a significant expansion of Christian territories during the Reconquista. The siege lasted for several months, showcasing Alfonso's military strategy and determination. Zaragoza was a strategic city towards the north of the Iberian Peninsula, and its control provided a crucial stronghold for future military campaigns against the Muslim kingdoms. The victory also served to solidify Alfonso's reputation as a powerful leader and stationed him as a key figure in the ongoing struggle between Christian and Muslim rulers in the region.

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Politics & Government

Alfonso VII crowned King of Galicia

September 17th, 1111 913 years ago

In a significant act of political alliance, the highest Galician nobility led by Pedro Fróilaz de Traba, along with Bishop Diego Gelmírez, conferred the title of 'King of Galicia' upon Alfonso VII. This momentous event occurred in Santiago de Compostela, a location of great importance in medieval Spain, symbolizing the union of the clerical and noble forces in support of Alfonso's claim to kingship. The crowning highlighted the growing power and autonomy of Galicia within the broader context of the Kingdom of León.

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