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{{Short description|Conflict between Christians and Muslims during the Reconquista}} {{Short description|Conflict between Christians and Muslims during the Reconquista}}
<noinclude>{{Requested move notice|1=Almohad period in the Reconquista|2=Talk:Spanish Christian–Muslim War of 1172–1212#Requested move 9 January 2025}}
{{Infobox military conflict
The '''Spanish Christian–Muslim War of 1172–1212'''{{Sfn|Kohn|2006|p=516}}{{Sfn|Changqi|1999|p=497-498}}{{Sfn|Charles|2004|p=1072-1073}}{{Sfn|Nevington|2007}}{{Sfn|Pereira|2015|p=121}}{{Sfn|Muslim Prophets|2019|p=11}} refers to the period in which the ] ruled ]. It began in 1172, with the conquest of the last ] in the ] and ended after the ].
| partof = ]
| image = Batalla de las Navas de Tolosa, por Francisco van Halen.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| caption = The ], by ] (1864)
| date = 1172–1212{{sfn|Kohn|2006|p=516}}
| place = Central and southern ]
| result = Spanish Christian victory
| territory = ] conquest of central ]{{sfn|El Hareir|2011|p=418}}
| combatant1 = {{ublist|{{Flagicon image|Royal Banner of the Kingdom of Castile (Variant).svg|border=no}} ]}}
* ] ]
* ] ]
{{Flagicon image|Royal Banner of Aragón.svg|border=no}} ]<br>{{Flagicon image|Arrano Beltza flag.svg}} ] (until 1195) (1211-1212)<br>] ] (until 1195) (1211-1212)<br>] ]<br> {{Flagicon image|Bandeira Templária.svg}} ]<br>] from ]
| combatant2 = ] ]<br>{{Flagicon image|Arrano Beltza flag.svg}} ] (1196-1197){{sfn|Flood|2018|p=118}}{{sfn|Bianchini|2012|p=273}}{{sfn|Dolan Gomez|2011|p=71}}<br>] ] (1196-1197){{sfn|Flood|2018|p=118}}{{sfn|Bianchini|2012|p=273}}{{sfn|Dolan Gomez|2011|p=71}}
| commander1 = {{Flagicon image|Royal Banner of the Kingdom of Castile (Variant).svg|border=no}} ''']'''<br>{{Flagicon image|Royal Banner of the Kingdom of Castile (Variant).svg|border=no}} ] {{KIA}}<br>{{Flagicon image|Royal Banner of the Kingdom of Castile (Variant).svg|border=no}} ]<br>{{Flagicon image|Royal Banner of the Kingdom of Castile (Variant).svg|border=no}} ]<br>{{Flagicon image|Royal Banner of Aragón.svg|border=no}} ''']'''<br>{{Flagicon image|Royal Banner of Aragón.svg|border=no}} ''']'''<br>{{Flagicon image|Bandeira Templária.svg}} ]<br>{{Flagicon image|Arrano Beltza flag.svg}} ''']'''<br> {{Flagicon image|Arrano Beltza flag.svg}} ''']''' <br>] ''']''' <br>] ''']''' <br>] ''']''' <br>] ]
| commander2 = ] ''']'''{{KIA}}<br> ] ''']'''<br>] ''']'''<br>] ʿĪsā ibn Abī Ḥafṣ ibn ʿĀlī<br>] ]<br> {{Flagicon image|Arrano Beltza flag.svg}} ''']''' (1196-1197)<br>] ''']''' (1196-1197)
}}
{{Campaignbox Reconquista}} {{Campaignbox Reconquista}}
The '''Spanish Christian–Muslim War of 1172–1212'''{{NoteTag|The Christian kingdoms of the ] were called "Spanish" at that time. For example, ] wrote a book called '']'' which was about the history of the ] kingdoms of the ] since 718, when the ] was created}} was fought between the Spanish ] kingdoms of ], ], ] and ] and the ] during the ]. It began when the ] caliph ] attacked ] from ] in 1172 and ended after the ] victory at the ] in 1212 but small skirmishes still occurred after the battle.


== Background == == Background ==
The ] had fallen in ] during the ] and the ] had arrived. The ] arrived at Iberia in 1146{{sfn|Dangler|2017|p=105}} but Christians quickly conquered ], ], ] and ] before them.{{NoteTag|During the ]}} It was not until 1173 that the ] finished ]. The Almohads, taking advantage of the fact that ] was still young, attacked ] in 1172, starting the war.{{sfn|De la Torre|2018|p=112}} The ] had fallen in ] during the ] and the ] had arrived. The ] arrived at Iberia in 1146{{sfn|Dangler|2017|p=105}} but Christians quickly conquered ], ], ] and ] before them.{{Efn|During the ]}} It was not until 1172 that the ] finished ].


==Conflicts with the Christians==
== War ==
===First phase, 1172-1197=== ===First conflicts: 1172–1189===
====Cuenca==== ====Cuenca====
{{main|Conquest of Cuenca}} {{main|Conquest of Cuenca}}
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====Portuguese incursions in Almohad territory==== ====Portuguese incursions in Almohad territory====
{{Main|Great Triana Raid}} {{Main|Great Triana Raid}}
In 1178, ], still a prince, launched a campaign against the ]. He raided ] and burnt ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Kennedy |first=Hugh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NFfJAwAAQBAJ&dq=Even+more+damaging+were+the+raids+by+the+Portuguese+in+the+areas+to+the+west&pg=PA234 |title=Muslim Spain and Portugal: A Political History of al-Andalus |date=2014-06-11 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-87041-8 |language=en}}</ref> A few years later, in 1182 or 1183 a new Portuguese expedition formed by local militias from ] and ] sacked the Ajarafe, the land of villages and olive orchards to the west of ]. They took numerous captives.<ref name=":0" /> In 1178, ] launched a campaign against the Almohad Caliphate. He raided ] and burned ].{{Sfn|Kennedy|2014|p=234}} A few years later, in 1182 or 1183, a new Portuguese expedition composed of local militias from ] and ] plundered the ], an area of villages and olive groves, taking a large number of captives.{{Sfn|Kennedy|2014|p=234}}


====Santarém==== ====Santarém====
{{Main|Siege of Santarém (1184)}} {{Main|Siege of Santarém (1184)}}
In the spring of 1184, ] decided to attack ], ], which was defended by ]. Upon hearing of Abu Yusuf's attack, ] marched his troops to Santarém to support Afonso I.{{sfn|Bressler|2018|p=23}}<br> In the spring of 1184, ] decided to attack ], ], which was defended by ]. Upon hearing of Abu Yusuf's attack, ] marched his troops to Santarém to support Afonso I.{{sfn|Bressler|2018|p=23}}<br/>
Abu Yusuf, thinking he had sufficient troops to maintain the siege, sent orders for part of his army to march to ] and lay siege to that city too. The orders were misinterpreted and his army, seeing large contingents of men leaving the battle, became confused and started to retreat. Abu Yusuf, in an attempt to rally his troops, was wounded by a ] and died on 29 July 1184.{{sfn|Todd Carey|2024|p=148}} Abu Yusuf, thinking he had sufficient troops to maintain the siege, sent orders for part of his army to march to ] and lay siege to that city too. The orders were misinterpreted and his army, seeing large contingents of men leaving the battle, became confused and started to retreat. Abu Yusuf, in an attempt to rally his troops, was wounded by a ] and died on 29 July 1184.{{sfn|Todd Carey|2024|p=148}}


===Almohad conquests: 1191–1197===
====Southern Portugal==== ====Southern Portugal====
{{Main|Almohad campaign against Portugal (1190–1191)}} {{Main|Almohad campaign against Portugal (1190–1191)}}
Line 43: Line 28:


], the new ], decided to invade ] after ].{{sfn|Jayyusi|1992|pp=73-74}} Yaqub was joined by forces from ] and ]{{sfn|Lay|2008|pp=157–159}} and laid siege to ] but he left operations in the hands of local troops and took most of his expeditionary force to ].{{sfn|Slaughter|1968|p=43}} At Córdoba, the caliph met an embassy from ] and they signed a truce,{{sfn|Jayyusi|1992|p=74}} this was good news for Yaqub as it meant he could focus on his campaign against Portugal. He invaded ] and the town of ] surrendered.{{sfn|Buresi|2013|p=46}} He began to ] but failed to capture the city.{{sfn|Hourihane|2012|p=109}} ], the new ], decided to invade ] after ].{{sfn|Jayyusi|1992|pp=73-74}} Yaqub was joined by forces from ] and ]{{sfn|Lay|2008|pp=157–159}} and laid siege to ] but he left operations in the hands of local troops and took most of his expeditionary force to ].{{sfn|Slaughter|1968|p=43}} At Córdoba, the caliph met an embassy from ] and they signed a truce,{{sfn|Jayyusi|1992|p=74}} this was good news for Yaqub as it meant he could focus on his campaign against Portugal. He invaded ] and the town of ] surrendered.{{sfn|Buresi|2013|p=46}} He began to ] but failed to capture the city.{{sfn|Hourihane|2012|p=109}}
The main objective of al-Manṣūr was to capture Satarém, which he besieged in 1190 but he was defeated by Sancho I and ] crusaders. This campaign was a failure.{{sfn|Lay|2008|pp=157–159}} The main objective of al-Manṣūr was to capture Santarém, which he besieged in 1190 but he was defeated by Sancho I and ] crusaders.{{Sfn|CUP Archive|1947|p=97}} This campaign was a failure.{{sfn|Lay|2008|pp=157–159}}


In 1191, Yaqub launched a second attempt to reconquer ]. He captured ],{{sfn|Jayyusi|1992|p=74}} ],<ref>{{Cite book |last=Harrison |first=William Henry |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dW0NAAAAYAAJ |title=Bradshaw's illustrated hand-book to Spain and Portugal |date=1865 |language=en}}</ref> and later the towns of ], Coina and ]. ] was destroyed and the Almohads raided as far north as the environs of ]. He also recaptured the ], whose population had been ]. For his second siege of Silves, Yaqub brought four times as many siege engines as the defenders had. He started the siege in late June and ended in 25 July, as an Almohad victory.{{sfn|Slaughter|1968|p=43}} He also captured ].<ref>{{Cite book |last=IslamKotob |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WdBICwAAQBAJ |title=الأنيس المطرب بروض القرطاس |publisher=IslamKotob |language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Conde |first=José Antonio |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qJeyihUpkBsC|title=Histoire de la domination des Arabes et des Maures en Espagne et en Portugal, depuis l'invasion de ces peuples jusqu'à leur expulsion définitive |date=1825 |publisher=Eymery |language=fr}}</ref> In 1191, Yaqub launched a second attempt to reconquer ]. He captured ],{{sfn|Jayyusi|1992|p=74}} ],{{Sfn|Harrison|1865|p=11}} and later the towns of ], Coina and ].{{Sfn|Miranda|1954|p=67-68}} ] was destroyed and the Almohads raided as far north as the environs of ].{{Sfn|Miranda|1954|p=64}} He also recaptured the ],{{Sfn|De la Peña|2009|p=311}} whose population had been ].{{sfn|Wilson|2020|pp=1–2}} For his second siege of Silves, Yaqub brought four times as many siege engines as the defenders had. He started the siege in late June and ended in 25 July, as an Almohad victory.{{sfn|Slaughter|1968|p=43}} He also captured ].{{Sfn|IslamKotob|p=219}}{{Sfn|Conde|1825|p=439}}
After signing a five-year truce with Sancho,{{sfn|Jayyusi|1992|p=74}} Yaqub returned to ]. He had pushed the border north as far as the ], leaving Portugal only one significant fortress to its south, at ].{{Sfn|Barroca|2006|p=979–984}}{{Sfn|CUP Archive|1947|p=103}}{{Sfn|Stanislawski|2014|p=175}}{{Sfn|Kaufmann|Kaufmann|2019|p=46}}{{Sfn|Fiolhais|Franco|Paiva|2021|p=210}}{{Sfn|Hyland|1996|p=171}}
After signing a five-year truce with Sancho,{{sfn|Jayyusi|1992|p=74}} Yaqub returned to ]. He had pushed the border north as far as the ], leaving Portugal only one significant fortress to its south, at ].<ref>Barroca, Mário Jorge (2006). "Portugal". In Alan V. Murray (ed.). The Crusades: An Encyclopedia. pp. 979–984.</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fHI3AAAAIAAJ&dq=%C3%89vora+1191&pg=PA103 |title=A history of portugal |date=1947-01-19 |publisher=CUP Archive |pages=103 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5dYEAAAAYAAJ&q=1191%20%C3%89vora%20resist |title=Grande enciclopédia portuguesa e brasileira: ilustrada com cêrca de 15.000 gravuras e 400 estampas a côres |date=1959 |publisher=Editorial Enciclopédia |language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Stanislawski |first=Dan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mql0BQAAQBAJ&dq=%C3%89vora+was+not+conquered+1191&pg=PA175 |title=The Individuality of Portugal: A Study in Historical-Political Geography |date=2014-11-11 |publisher=University of Texas Press |isbn=978-1-4773-0509-6 |pages=175 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Kaufmann |first1=J. E. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hk8IEAAAQBAJ&dq=%C3%89vora+1191+Almohad&pg=PT46 |title=Castle to Fortress: Medieval to Post-Modern Fortifications in the Lands of the Former Roman Empire |last2=Kaufmann |first2=H. W. |date=2019-07-30 |publisher=Pen and Sword |isbn=978-1-5267-3688-8 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Fiolhais |first1=Carlos |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nAG7EAAAQBAJ&dq=Evora++1191&pg=PT210 |title=The Global History of Portugal: From Pre-History to the Modern World |last2=Franco |first2=José Eduardo |last3=Paiva |first3=José Pedro |date=2021-12-06 |publisher=Liverpool University Press |isbn=978-1-80207-133-7 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Hyland |first=Paul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e1DjAAAAMAAJ&q=Evora++1191 |title=Backwards Out of the Big World: A Voyage Into Portugal |date=1996 |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=978-0-00-255556-2 |pages=171 |language=en}}</ref>


====Castilian campaign in Al-Andalus of 1195====
====Alarcos====
{{Main|Battle of Alarcos}}
], after his truce with the ] expired,{{sfn|Jayyusi|1992|p=74}} he received news that ] was gravely ill in ] and that his brother Abu Yahya, the governor of Al-Andalus, had crossed the ] to declare himself king and take over Marrakesh. He took the opportunity and began an expedition to the ].{{sfn|al-Marrakushi|1224|pp=136–137}} Having successfully crushed his brother's ambitions, Yaqub al-Mansur was left with no choice other than to lead an expedition against the ], who were now threatening his empire in ].{{sfn|al-Marrakushi|1224|pp=136–137}} ], after his truce with the ] expired,{{sfn|Jayyusi|1992|p=74}} he received news that ] was gravely ill in ] and that his brother Abu Yahya, the governor of Al-Andalus, had crossed the ] to declare himself king and take over Marrakesh. He took the opportunity and began an expedition to the ].{{sfn|al-Marrakushi|1224|pp=136–137}} Having successfully crushed his brother's ambitions, Yaqub al-Mansur was left with no choice other than to lead an expedition against the ], who were now threatening his empire in ].{{sfn|al-Marrakushi|1224|pp=136–137}}
On July 4 Ya'qub and his army crossed the pass of Muradal (]) and advanced through the plain of Salvatierra. A cavalry detachment of the ] and some knights from nearby castles tried to gather news about the Almohad strength and its heading but they were surrounded by ] ] and almost ], but managed to provide information to the Castilian king. On July 4 Ya'qub and his army crossed the pass of Muradal (]) and advanced through the plain of Salvatierra. A cavalry detachment of the ] and some knights from nearby castles tried to gather news about the Almohad strength and its heading but they were surrounded by ] ] and almost ], but managed to provide information to the Castilian king.{{Sfn|Katz|2016|p=162}}


=====Battle of Alarcos=====
]]]
{{Main|Battle of Alarcos}}
]]]


Alfonso gathered his forces at ] and marched down to ], a place which marked the Southern limit of his kingdom and where a fortress was under construction. The other Spanish Christian kingdoms feared that the ]s would succeed, so ] received offers of help from ] and ], which he accepted. But seeing that they were taking a long time to arrive, he decided to face the ] alone. When on July 16 the ] host came in view, ] did not accept battle on this day or the day after, preferring to give rest to his forces; but early the day after that, on July 18, the ] formed for battle around a small hill called La Cabeza, two bow-shots from ]. Alfonso gathered his forces at ] and marched down to ], a place which marked the Southern limit of his kingdom and where a fortress was under construction. The other Spanish Christian kingdoms feared that the ]s would succeed, so ] received offers of help from ] and ], which he accepted.{{Sfn|Martínez|2021|p=99}} But seeing that they were taking a long time to arrive, he decided to face the ] alone.{{Sfn|Martínez|2021|p=99}} When on July 16 the ] host came in view, ] did not accept battle on this day or the day after, preferring to give rest to his forces; but early the day after that, on July 18, the ] formed for battle around a small hill called La Cabeza, two bow-shots from ].{{Sfn|Katz|2016|p=119}}


It was a formidable army, whose strength ] had badly underestimated. The Castilian king put most of his heavy ] in a compact body, about 8,000 strong, and gave its command to ]. The king himself would follow with the ] and the ]. It was a formidable army, whose strength ] had badly underestimated. The Castilian king put most of his heavy ] in a compact body, about 8,000 strong, and gave its command to ].{{Sfn|Frediani|2015|p=224}} The king himself would follow with the ] and the ].
Most of the knights turned to their left and after a fierce struggle they routed the ] forces of ]. Three hours had passed; just afternoon, in the intense heat, the fatigue and the missiles which kept falling on them took their toll of armoured knights. Alfonso advanced with all his remaining forces into the melee, only to find himself assaulted from all sides and under a rain of arrows. For some time he fought hand-to-hand, until removed from the action, almost by force, by his bodyguard; they fled towards ]. The Castilian ] was destroyed, together with most of the Orders which had supported them; the Lord of Vizcaya tried to force his way through the ring of enemy forces, but finally had to seek refuge in the unfinished fortress of ] with just a fraction of his knights. The castle was surrounded with some 3,000 people trapped inside, half of them women and children. The king's enemy, ], who had taken little part in the action, was sent by the Amir to negotiate the surrender; ] and the survivors were allowed to go, leaving 12 knights as hostages for the payment of a great ransom. Most of the knights turned to their left and after a fierce struggle they routed the ] forces of ].{{Sfn|Frediani|2015|p=224}} Three hours had passed; just afternoon, in the intense heat, the fatigue and the missiles which kept falling on them took their toll of armoured knights. Alfonso advanced with all his remaining forces into the melee, only to find himself assaulted from all sides and under a rain of arrows. For some time he fought hand-to-hand, until removed from the action, almost by force, by his bodyguard; they fled towards ].{{Sfn|Frediani|2015|p=224}} The Castilian ] was destroyed, together with most of the Orders which had supported them; the Lord of Vizcaya tried to force his way through the ring of enemy forces, but finally had to seek refuge in the unfinished fortress of ] with just a fraction of his knights.{{Sfn|Frediani|2015|p=224}} The castle was surrounded with some 3,000 people trapped inside, half of them women and children. The king's enemy, ], who had taken little part in the action, was sent by the Amir to negotiate the surrender; ] and the survivors were allowed to go, leaving 12 knights as hostages for the payment of a great ransom.{{Sfn|Frediani|2015|p=224}}{{sfn|Sanz|2003|p=50}}


====After Alarcos, Almohad-Leonese Alliance and Castilian-Leonese War==== ====After Alarcos: Castilian-Leonese War of 1196–1197====
{{main|Castilian–Leonese War (1196–1197)}}
] in 1195.]] ] in 1195.]]
The Castilian field army had been destroyed.{{sfn|Nolan|2006|p=119}} The outcome of the battle shook the stability of the ] for several years and all nearby castles surrendered or were abandoned: ], ], ], ], and Torre de Guadalferza,{{sfn|De las Heras|2008|p=125}} and the way to ] was wide open. However, both sides had considerable casualties, including the ], who could not continue with their campaign. The ] obtained an alliance with King ], who was angry with Alfonso VIII, who did not wait for him to fight the ].{{sfn|Flood|2018|p=118}}{{sfn|Bianchini|2012|p=273}}{{sfn|Dolan Gomez|2011|p=71}} The Castilian field army had been destroyed.{{sfn|Nolan|2006|p=119}} The outcome of the battle shook the stability of the ] for several years and all nearby castles surrendered or were abandoned: ], ], ], ], and Torre de Guadalferza,{{sfn|De las Heras|2008|p=125}} and the way to ] was wide open. However, both sides had considerable casualties, including the ], who could not continue with their campaign. The ] obtained an alliance with King ], who was angry with Alfonso VIII, who did not wait for him to fight the ].{{sfn|Flood|2018|p=118}}{{sfn|Bianchini|2012|p=273}}{{sfn|Dolan Gomez|2011|p=71}}


After this, ] (with ] and ] help),{{sfn|Flood|2018|p=118}}{{sfn|Bianchini|2012|p=273}}{{sfn|Dolan Gomez|2011|p=71}} declared war on ], which was supported by ]. ] launched an invasion to ], taking ], ], ], ] and ]. He also approached ] (where ] and his army were), invaded as far west as ] (Near ]) and tried to capture ] but failed.{{sfn|Martin|2010|p=118}} In 1197, ] recovered Castro de los Judíos de Mayorga while ] took {{ill|Bárcena de la Abadía|es}}, ] and ]. The Almohads also tried to invade Castile and laid siege to ], ], ] and ] but only succeeding in the last one.{{sfn|Sancha|1783|p=199}} These towns were defended by ] and Fernando Ruiz de Azagra, ].{{sfn|Catalán|2002|p=120}} The ] also took ], Mount Angio and Turgelo.{{sfn|Sancha|1783|p=199}}
After this, ] (with ] and ] help{{sfn|Flood|2018|p=118}}{{sfn|Bianchini|2012|p=273}}{{sfn|Dolan Gomez|2011|p=71}})
, declared war on ], which was supported by ]. ] launched an invasion to ], taking ], ], ], ] and Castro de los Judíos de Mayorga. He also approached ] (where ] and his army were), invaded as far west as ] (Near ]) and tried to capture ] but failed.{{sfn|Martin|2010|p=118}} In 1197, ] recovered Castro de los Judíos de Mayorga while ] took ], ] and ]. The Almohads also tried to invade Castile and laid siege to ], ], ] and ] but only succeding in the last one.{{sfn|Sancha|1783|p=199}} The ] also took ], Mount Angio and Turgelo.


This conflict turned out to be a ] military victory{{sfn|Gerli|2016|p=55}} but there were no territorial changes because the ] mediated the conflict and condemned both kingdoms for disapproving of the marriage between ] and ] (since it would lead to a peace between ] and ]). In the end, that marriage did take place and led to a peace between both kingdoms in 1197.{{sfn|Dolan Gomez|2011|p=71}} This conflict turned out to be a Castilian victory{{sfn|Gerli|2016|p=55}}{{Sfn|Obradó|Vaquero|Utrilla|2005|p=90}} but there were no territorial changes because the ] mediated the conflict and condemned both kingdoms for disapproving of the marriage between ] and ] (since it would lead to a peace between ] and ]). In the end, that marriage did take place and led to a peace between both kingdoms in 1197.{{sfn|Dolan Gomez|2011|p=71}}
The ] and the ] also signed a truce{{sfn|Bennison|2016|p=108}}{{sfn|Barton|2002|p=21}}{{sfn|Jamieson|2006|p=70}}{{sfn|Keen|1999|p=87}}{{sfn|Valor Piechotta|1999|p=243}}{{sfn|Barton|2009|p=66}}{{sfn|O'Callaghan|2013|p=63}}{{sfn|Rogers|2010|p=566}}{{sfn|Ward|2006|p=30}} that lasted until 1211.{{sfn|Ward|2006|p=30}} The ] and the ] also signed a truce{{sfn|Bennison|2016|p=108}}{{sfn|Barton|2002|p=21}}{{sfn|Jamieson|2006|p=70}}{{sfn|Keen|1999|p=87}}{{sfn|Valor Piechotta|1999|p=243}}{{sfn|Barton|2009|p=66}}{{sfn|O'Callaghan|2013|p=63}}{{sfn|Rogers|2010|p=566}}{{sfn|Ward|2006|p=30}} that lasted until 1211.{{sfn|Ward|2006|p=30}}


===Second phase, 1211-1212=== ===Crusade of 1211–1212===
====Before the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa==== ====Preparation of the crusade====
] found himself in a dangerous situation: the disturbing possibility of losing ] and the entire ] Valley, which is why the king asked ] in 1211 to preach a crusade{{sfn|Garcia Fitz|2002|p=143}} to which not only his Castilian subjects responded, but also king ], ], the military Orders such as the ], ], ] and ], and ] from all over ].{{NoteTag|From ], ], ] and ].}}{{sfn|Garcia Fitz|2005|p=201}} ] found himself in a dangerous situation: the disturbing possibility of losing ] and the entire ] Valley, which is why the king asked ] in 1211 to preach a crusade{{sfn|Garcia Fitz|2002|p=143}} to which not only his Castilian subjects responded, but also king ], ], the military Orders such as the ], ], ] and ], and ] from all over ].{{Efn|From ], ], ] and ].}}{{sfn|Garcia Fitz|2005|p=201}}


====Crusade====
Hostilities began in 1211, when ] broke the truce he had with the ] and attacked ]. ] was forced to intervene and landed in the ] that same year. While the Christians devastated the lands of ], the Almohads surpassed ] and the ] of ],{{sfn|Galan|2024|p=19}} the most important fortress of the ] since the ] took the castle of Calatrava.{{sfn|Garcia Fitz|2005|p=201}} In June 1212, ] took Guadalerzas, ], ] and ].{{sfn|Izquierdo Benito|1996|p=369}} Hostilities began in 1211, when ] broke the truce he had with the ] and attacked ]. ] was forced to intervene and landed in the ] that same year. While the Christians devastated the lands of ], the Almohads surpassed ] and the ] of ],{{sfn|Galan|2024|p=19}} the most important fortress of the ] since the ] took the castle of Calatrava.{{sfn|Garcia Fitz|2005|p=201}} In June 1212, ] took Guadalerzas, ], ] and ].{{sfn|Izquierdo Benito|1996|p=369}}


====Las navas de Tolosa==== =====Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa=====
{{Main|Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa}} {{Main|Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa}}
In July 16, ], ] and ] fought against ], the ] caliph, in ] (near ]). The battle was fought at relatively close range, so that neither the Almohads nor the Christians could use archers in the melee-dominated fight.<br/> In July 16, ], ] and ] fought against ], the ] caliph, in ] (near ]). The battle was fought at relatively close range, so that neither the Almohads nor the Christians could use archers in the melee-dominated fight.{{Sfn|Garcia Fitz|2005|p=635}}


] ]


Christian knights became locked in close-quarter combat, in which they were superior to the Almohads. Christian knights from the ] breached the ] defense, inflicting heavy casualties and creating gaps that allowed for a potential spearhead. King ] led his knights through the gaps and charged at the ], who was surrounded by a bodyguard of black slave-warriors. Though initially believed that these men were chained to prevent escape, it’s now thought to stem from a mistranslation of "serried," referring to a dense formation. The ], led by King their king ], broke through this bodyguard.{{sfn|Dorling Kindersley|2021|p=74}} The ] escaped, but the ] were defeated with heavy casualties. The victorious Christians captured war prizes, including ]'s tent and standard, which were delivered to ].{{sfn|Kaljundi|2011|p=224}} Christian knights became locked in close-quarter combat, in which they were superior to the Almohads. Christian knights from the ] breached the ] defense, inflicting heavy casualties and creating gaps that allowed for a potential spearhead. King ] led his knights through the gaps and charged at the ], who was surrounded by a bodyguard of black slave-warriors.{{sfn|Ortigosa|2013|p=105}} Though initially believed that these men were chained to prevent escape, it’s now thought to stem from a mistranslation of "serried," referring to a dense formation. The ], led by King their king ], broke through this bodyguard.{{sfn|Ortigosa|2013|p=105}}{{sfn|Dorling Kindersley|2021|p=74}} The ] escaped, but the ] were defeated with heavy casualties. The victorious Christians captured war prizes, including ]'s tent and standard, which were delivered to ].{{sfn|Kaljundi|2011|p=224}}


====After Las Navas de Tolosa====
Christian losses were around 2,000 men while Muslim losses were around 20,000 men. Notable Christian casualties included Pedro Gómez de Acevedo (]), ] (]), and Gomes Ramires (]). ] (]) was severely wounded and had to resign. This battle is considered to be one of the most important battles in the Reconquista and the most important battle of this war.{{sfn|El Hareir|2011|p=418}}{{sfn|Dolan Gomez|2011|p=10}} ] also defeated ] in ] and ] in the next 8 days.{{sfn|Cozar Martinez|1884|p=94}} Christian losses were around 2,000 men while Muslim losses were around 20,000 men. Notable Christian casualties included Pedro Gómez de Acevedo (]), ] (]), and Gomes Ramires (]). ] (]) was severely wounded and had to resign. This battle is considered to be one of the most important battles in the Reconquista and the most important battle of this war.{{sfn|El Hareir|2011|p=418}}{{sfn|Dolan Gomez|2011|p=10}} ] also defeated ] in ] and ] in the next 8 days.{{sfn|Cozar Martinez|1884|p=94}}<br>Despite his great victory, Alfonso VII did not continue with his campaign, preferring to let his soldiers rest. A peace treaty was signed short after this battle.{{Sfn|Shadis|2009|p=133}}


== Aftermath == == Aftermath ==
] in 1224, 12 years after the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.]] ] in 1224, 12 years after the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.]]
The crushing defeat of the ] significantly hastened their decline both in the ] and in the ] a decade later.{{sfn|Travel|2017|p=54}} That gave further impulse to the ] and sharply reduced the already declining power of the ] in ] and soon divided into ]. ] did not overcome the defeat of this battle, he went to Marrakesh and locked himself in his palace until his death a year later.{{sfn|Pennell|2013|p=52}}{{sfn|Gebhardt|1864|p=360}} ] conquered central ] and some decades later conquered more territories in southern Spain like ], ] and ] during the ].{{sfn|Kohn|2006|p=516}}{{sfn|Travel|2017|p=54}}{{sfn|El Hareir|2011|p=418}} The crushing defeat of the ] significantly hastened their decline both in the ] and in the ] a decade later.{{sfn|Travel|2017|p=54}} That gave further impulse to the ] and sharply reduced the already declining power of the ] in ] and soon divided into ].{{Sfn|Fierro|2021|p=311}} ] did not overcome the defeat of this battle, he went to Marrakesh and locked himself in his palace until his death a year later.{{sfn|Pennell|2013|p=52}}{{sfn|Gebhardt|1864|p=360}} ] conquered central ] and some decades later conquered more territories in southern Spain like ], ] and ].{{sfn|Kohn|2006|p=516}}{{sfn|Travel|2017|p=54}}{{sfn|El Hareir|2011|p=418}}{{Sfn|Robinson|2023|p=59}} ] ] ] between 1228–1231 and ] in 1238.{{Sfn|Robinson|2023|p=59}} The only ] that would survive after the mid-13th century would be the ], which became a Castilian ], although it would also be a ] vassal for a brief period of time during the ].{{Sfn|Lieberman|2013|p=73}} After this conflict, the Kingdom of Granada was isolated until the ] between 1482-1492, which marked the end of the ].{{sfn|González Jiménez|2012|p=463}}


==Notes== ==Notes==
{{notelist}}
{{reflist|group=note}}


==References== ==References==
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{{refend}} {{refend}}


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Latest revision as of 18:19, 10 January 2025

Conflict between Christians and Muslims during the Reconquista
A request that this article title be changed to Almohad period in the Reconquista is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed.

The Spanish Christian–Muslim War of 1172–1212 refers to the period in which the Almohads ruled al-Andalus. It began in 1172, with the conquest of the last Taifas in the Iberian Peninsula and ended after the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.

Battles in the Reconquista
8th century
9th century
10th century
11th century
12th century
13th century
14th century
15th century
Post-Reconquista Rebellions

North Africa

Background

The Almoravid Caliphate had fallen in Iberia during the Second Crusade and the Second Period of Taifas had arrived. The Almohads arrived at Iberia in 1146 but Christians quickly conquered Santarém, Lisbon, Tortosa and Tarragona before them. It was not until 1172 that the Almohads finished conquering the Taifas.

Conflicts with the Christians

First conflicts: 1172–1189

Cuenca

Main article: Conquest of Cuenca

In 1172, Yusuf I began a series of attacks in Castile and destroyed several small Castilian border garrisons. He also attempted to take Huete but failed and was forced to retreat. Alfonso VIII took the opportunity and began a counter-offensive in Cuenca, from which came great danger since the Almohads used it as an outpost in their continuous attacks against Castile. The city was well fortified so Alfonso VIII, with the help of Alfonso II of Aragon, carried out a long siege and captured it in 1177. Alfonso VIII also captured Alarcón in 1183.

Portuguese incursions in Almohad territory

Main article: Great Triana Raid

In 1178, Prince Sancho of Portugal launched a campaign against the Almohad Caliphate. He raided Seville and burned Triana. A few years later, in 1182 or 1183, a new Portuguese expedition composed of local militias from Lisbon and Santarém plundered the Aljarafe, an area of villages and olive groves, taking a large number of captives.

Santarém

Main article: Siege of Santarém (1184)

In the spring of 1184, Abu Yaqub Yusuf decided to attack Santarem, Portugal, which was defended by Afonso I of Portugal. Upon hearing of Abu Yusuf's attack, Ferdinand II of León marched his troops to Santarém to support Afonso I.
Abu Yusuf, thinking he had sufficient troops to maintain the siege, sent orders for part of his army to march to Lisbon and lay siege to that city too. The orders were misinterpreted and his army, seeing large contingents of men leaving the battle, became confused and started to retreat. Abu Yusuf, in an attempt to rally his troops, was wounded by a crossbow bolt and died on 29 July 1184.

Almohad conquests: 1191–1197

Southern Portugal

Main article: Almohad campaign against Portugal (1190–1191)
The walls of Silves today

Yaʿqūb al-Manṣūr, the new Almohad caliph, decided to invade Portugal after they conquered Silves. Yaqub was joined by forces from Seville and Granada and laid siege to Silves but he left operations in the hands of local troops and took most of his expeditionary force to Córdoba. At Córdoba, the caliph met an embassy from Alfonso VIII of Castile and they signed a truce, this was good news for Yaqub as it meant he could focus on his campaign against Portugal. He invaded Alentejo and the town of Torres Novas surrendered. He began to besiege Tomar but failed to capture the city. The main objective of al-Manṣūr was to capture Santarém, which he besieged in 1190 but he was defeated by Sancho I and English crusaders. This campaign was a failure.

In 1191, Yaqub launched a second attempt to reconquer Silves. He captured Alcácer do Sal, Torres Novas, and later the towns of Palmela, Coina and Almada. Leiria was destroyed and the Almohads raided as far north as the environs of Coimbra. He also recaptured the Castle of Alvor, whose population had been massacred in 1189. For his second siege of Silves, Yaqub brought four times as many siege engines as the defenders had. He started the siege in late June and ended in 25 July, as an Almohad victory. He also captured Beja. After signing a five-year truce with Sancho, Yaqub returned to Africa. He had pushed the border north as far as the Tagus, leaving Portugal only one significant fortress to its south, at Évora.

Castilian campaign in Al-Andalus of 1195

Alfonso VIII, after his truce with the Almohads expired, he received news that Yaʿqūb al-Manṣūr was gravely ill in Marrakesh and that his brother Abu Yahya, the governor of Al-Andalus, had crossed the Mediterranean to declare himself king and take over Marrakesh. He took the opportunity and began an expedition to the region of Seville. Having successfully crushed his brother's ambitions, Yaqub al-Mansur was left with no choice other than to lead an expedition against the Christians, who were now threatening his empire in Iberia. On July 4 Ya'qub and his army crossed the pass of Muradal (Despeñaperros) and advanced through the plain of Salvatierra. A cavalry detachment of the Order of Calatrava and some knights from nearby castles tried to gather news about the Almohad strength and its heading but they were surrounded by Muslim scouts and almost massacred, but managed to provide information to the Castilian king.

Battle of Alarcos
Main article: Battle of Alarcos
The castle of Alarcos

Alfonso gathered his forces at Toledo and marched down to Alarcos, a place which marked the Southern limit of his kingdom and where a fortress was under construction. The other Spanish Christian kingdoms feared that the Almohads would succeed, so Alfonso VIII received offers of help from Alfonso IX of León and Sancho VI of Navarre, which he accepted. But seeing that they were taking a long time to arrive, he decided to face the Almohads alone. When on July 16 the Almohad host came in view, Yaqub al-Mansur did not accept battle on this day or the day after, preferring to give rest to his forces; but early the day after that, on July 18, the Almohads formed for battle around a small hill called La Cabeza, two bow-shots from Alarcos.

It was a formidable army, whose strength Alfonso had badly underestimated. The Castilian king put most of his heavy cavalry in a compact body, about 8,000 strong, and gave its command to Diego López II de Haro. The king himself would follow with the infantry and the Military Orders. Most of the knights turned to their left and after a fierce struggle they routed the al-Andalus forces of Ibn Sanadid. Three hours had passed; just afternoon, in the intense heat, the fatigue and the missiles which kept falling on them took their toll of armoured knights. Alfonso advanced with all his remaining forces into the melee, only to find himself assaulted from all sides and under a rain of arrows. For some time he fought hand-to-hand, until removed from the action, almost by force, by his bodyguard; they fled towards Toledo. The Castilian infantry was destroyed, together with most of the Orders which had supported them; the Lord of Vizcaya tried to force his way through the ring of enemy forces, but finally had to seek refuge in the unfinished fortress of Alarcos with just a fraction of his knights. The castle was surrounded with some 3,000 people trapped inside, half of them women and children. The king's enemy, Pedro Fernández de Castro, who had taken little part in the action, was sent by the Amir to negotiate the surrender; Diego López II de Haro and the survivors were allowed to go, leaving 12 knights as hostages for the payment of a great ransom.

After Alarcos: Castilian-Leonese War of 1196–1197

Main article: Castilian–Leonese War (1196–1197)
Map of the Iberian Peninsula in 1195.

The Castilian field army had been destroyed. The outcome of the battle shook the stability of the Kingdom of Castile for several years and all nearby castles surrendered or were abandoned: Malagón, Benavente, Calatrava la Vieja, Caracuel, and Torre de Guadalferza, and the way to Toledo was wide open. However, both sides had considerable casualties, including the Almohads, who could not continue with their campaign. The Almohads obtained an alliance with King Alfonso IX of León, who was angry with Alfonso VIII, who did not wait for him to fight the battle in Alarcos.

After this, Alfonso IX of Leon (with Almohad and Navarrese help), declared war on Castile, which was supported by Aragon. Alfonso VIII of Castile launched an invasion to Leon, taking Castroverde de Campos, Alba de Tormes, Ardón, Coyanza and Castro de los Judíos de Mayorga. He also approached Benavente (where Alfonso IX and his army were), invaded as far west as Bierzo (Near Portugal) and tried to capture Astorga but failed. In 1197, Alfonso IX recovered Castro de los Judíos de Mayorga while Alfonso VIII took Bárcena de la Abadía [es], Carpio and Pozuelo. The Almohads also tried to invade Castile and laid siege to Toledo, Maqueda, Talavera de la Reina and Santa Olalla but only succeeding in the last one. These towns were defended by Diego López II de Haro and Fernando Ruiz de Azagra, lord of Albarracín. The Almohads also took Plasencia, Mount Angio and Turgelo.

This conflict turned out to be a Castilian victory but there were no territorial changes because the Papal states mediated the conflict and condemned both kingdoms for disapproving of the marriage between Alfonso IX and Berengaria of Castile (since it would lead to a peace between Castile and Leon). In the end, that marriage did take place and led to a peace between both kingdoms in 1197. The Kingdom of Castile and the Almohads also signed a truce that lasted until 1211.

Crusade of 1211–1212

Preparation of the crusade

Alfonso VIII found himself in a dangerous situation: the disturbing possibility of losing Toledo and the entire Tagus Valley, which is why the king asked Pope Innocent III in 1211 to preach a crusade to which not only his Castilian subjects responded, but also king Peter II of Aragon, Sancho VII of Navarre, the military Orders such as the Order of Calatrava, Knights Templar, Santiago and Saint John, and crusaders from all over Europe.

Crusade

Hostilities began in 1211, when Alfonso VIII broke the truce he had with the Almohads and attacked Andalusian territory. Al-Nasir was forced to intervene and landed in the Iberian Peninsula that same year. While the Christians devastated the lands of Jaén, the Almohads surpassed Sierra Morena and the Fortress of Salvatierra, the most important fortress of the Order of Calatrava since the Almohads took the castle of Calatrava. In June 1212, Alfonso VIII took Guadalerzas, Malagón, Calatrava and Caracuel.

Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa
Main article: Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa

In July 16, Alfonso VIII, Peter II of Aragon and Sancho VII of Navarre fought against Muhammad al-Nasir, the Almohad caliph, in Navas de Tolosa (near Santa Elena). The battle was fought at relatively close range, so that neither the Almohads nor the Christians could use archers in the melee-dominated fight.

The "Banner of the Moors", captured by the Christians during the battle

Christian knights became locked in close-quarter combat, in which they were superior to the Almohads. Christian knights from the Order of Santiago breached the Almohad defense, inflicting heavy casualties and creating gaps that allowed for a potential spearhead. King Sancho VII led his knights through the gaps and charged at the Caliph, who was surrounded by a bodyguard of black slave-warriors. Though initially believed that these men were chained to prevent escape, it’s now thought to stem from a mistranslation of "serried," referring to a dense formation. The Navarrese, led by King their king Sancho VII, broke through this bodyguard. The Caliph escaped, but the Moors were defeated with heavy casualties. The victorious Christians captured war prizes, including Muhammad al-Nasir's tent and standard, which were delivered to Pope Innocent III.

After Las Navas de Tolosa

Christian losses were around 2,000 men while Muslim losses were around 20,000 men. Notable Christian casualties included Pedro Gómez de Acevedo (Order of Calatrava), Alvaro Fernández de Valladares (Order of Santiago), and Gomes Ramires (Knights Templar). Ruy Díaz (Order of Calatrava) was severely wounded and had to resign. This battle is considered to be one of the most important battles in the Reconquista and the most important battle of this war. Christians also defeated Muslims in Úbeda and Baeza in the next 8 days.
Despite his great victory, Alfonso VII did not continue with his campaign, preferring to let his soldiers rest. A peace treaty was signed short after this battle.

Aftermath

Map of the Iberian Peninsula in 1224, 12 years after the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.

The crushing defeat of the Almohads significantly hastened their decline both in the Iberian Peninsula and in the Maghreb a decade later. That gave further impulse to the Christian Reconquest and sharply reduced the already declining power of the Moors in Iberia and soon divided into smaller Muslim kingdoms. Muhammad al-Nasir did not overcome the defeat of this battle, he went to Marrakesh and locked himself in his palace until his death a year later. Castile conquered central Spain and some decades later conquered more territories in southern Spain like Seville, Córdoba and Jaén. Aragon would conquer Mallorca between 1228–1231 and Valencia in 1238. The only Taifa that would survive after the mid-13th century would be the Kingdom of Granada, which became a Castilian vassal, although it would also be a Marinid vassal for a brief period of time during the Battle of the Strait. After this conflict, the Kingdom of Granada was isolated until the Christian conquest of the kingdom between 1482-1492, which marked the end of the Reconquista.

Notes

  1. During the Second Crusade
  2. From Portugal, France, León and Occitania.

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Bibliography

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