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Battle of Trancoso (1140)

For the other battle of Trancoso, see Battle of Trancoso.
Battle of Trancoso (1140)
Part of Portuguese Reconquista
Date1140
Location
Trancoso, Portugal
Result Portuguese victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Portugal Almoravid dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Afonso I of Portugal Esmar

The Battle of Trancoso in 1140 was an episode of the Reconquista, in which Afonso I of Portugal defeated a contingent of Muslim troops near Trancoso that was invading Portuguese territory.

History

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In 1135, Afonso I founded the castle of Leiria, between Coimbra and Santarém. Not only did it have the purpose of guarding the road that connected the two cities, but it was his first act of aggression directed at Muslims, as the garrison was also obliged to attack the territory of Santarém.

In the Battle of Ourique, the Portuguese defeated the Almoravid troops commanded by a certain "Esmar", in 1139. The following year, Afonso renewed hostilities against the king of Leon Afonso VII, his cousin, and invaded Galicia.[1] Esmar knowing that the king of Portugal was in Galicia and was suffering setbacks, he regrouped his troops and attacked the castle of Leiria, which he conquered, razed and massacred its garrison, taking prisoners of those who were captured alive.[1] He then advanced through Portuguese territory until reaching Trancoso, which he also sacked.[1]

Upon learning of what had happened, Afonso I of Portugal signed a truce with his cousin and traveled from Galicia to Trancoso to fight the Muslims, whom he destroyed in two encounters.[1] In the aftermath of the battle, he founded the monastery of Tarouca in the presence of his troops.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Borges de Figueiredo: "Onde Foi a Batalha de Ourique?" in Revista Archeologica: Estudos e Notas, volume III, Typ. de Adolpho, Modesto & ca., 1889, p. 77.
  2. ^ Alexandre Herculano: História de Portugal, 1853, volume I, p. 489.