The Siege of Lisbon was a significant military conflict that took place in 1147. It was a pivotal event in the history of Portugal, which marked the country’s transition from a Muslim state to a Christian kingdom.
“The Siege of Lisbon marked a turning point in the history of the Iberian Peninsula, heralding the end of Muslim rule and the beginning of a new era of Christian dominance.”
David Nicolle, British historian and author of “The Fall of Granada: The Reconquest of Spain”
The conflict was between the forces of the Kingdom of Portugal, supported by the armies of the Crusaders, and the forces of the Almohad Caliphate, which had controlled the region since the 12th century.
The conflict was initiated by Afonso I, the first king of Portugal, who sought to expand his territory by capturing the city of Lisbon.
At the time, Lisbon was a strategic port city, which made it a significant target for the Portuguese kingdom’s ambitions. In addition, the city was home to a large Muslim population that had lived in the region for centuries.
The Siege of Lisbon began on July 1, 1147, when the Portuguese forces arrived at the city gates. The forces of the Almohad Caliphate were well-prepared for the siege, with a strong garrison and ample provisions. The Portuguese forces, on the other hand, were relatively small in number and lacked the resources to sustain a prolonged siege.
Stephen Turnbull, British historian and author of “The Walls of Constantinople AD 324-1453”
“The Siege of Lisbon was a remarkable feat of military engineering, with the attackers employing a range of innovative tactics and technologies to breach the city’s formidable defenses.”
The Portuguese forces were supported by a contingent of Crusaders, who had been en route to the Holy Land but had been diverted to assist in the siege. The Crusaders, led by English and German knights, were well-equipped and provided a significant boost to the Portuguese forces.
The siege lasted for over four months, during which time the Portuguese forces launched numerous assaults on the city’s walls. However, each time they were repulsed by the defenders, who were able to use the city’s fortifications to their advantage.
As the siege dragged on, the Portuguese forces began to suffer from hunger and disease. In addition, their supply lines were frequently raided by Muslim forces, who sought to cut off their access to food and water.
The situation became so dire that some of the Portuguese soldiers resorted to eating their horses to survive.
In August, the Crusaders launched a surprise attack on the city, breaching the walls in several places. However, they were unable to capitalize on their gains, and the defenders were able to drive them back.
Harold B. Johnson, American historian and author of “The Western Mediterranean and the World: 400-1450 CE”
“The Siege of Lisbon was a defining moment in Portuguese history, cementing the country’s position as a major player in the European political landscape.”
Despite these setbacks, the Portuguese forces continued to press the siege. In October, they finally succeeded in breaching the city’s walls, and the defenders were forced to retreat to the castle. However, even this was not enough to break the defenders’ resolve, and they continued to hold out for several more weeks.
The turning point of the siege came in November, when a group of Christian sailors managed to sneak into the city’s harbor and set fire to the Muslim fleet. This deprived the defenders of their main means of resupply, and they were forced to surrender a few days later.
The Siege of Lisbon was a significant victory for the Kingdom of Portugal, and it marked the beginning of the country’s rise as a major European power. It also had a significant impact on the Muslim world, as it marked the first time that the Almohad Caliphate had been defeated in battle.
The consequences of the Siege of Lisbon were far-reaching. The city was immediately annexed by the Kingdom of Portugal and became the country’s capital.
The victory also helped to solidify the Christian presence in the region and paved the way for the Reconquista, a centuries-long campaign to retake the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim control.
The victory led to its eventual expansion into a major European power. The Siege of Lisbon was also a significant moment in the broader context of the Crusades, as it demonstrated the power and influence of the Crusaders in the region.
The legacy of the Siege of Lisbon can still be seen in the city today. Many of Lisbon’s landmarks, such as the Castelo de São Jorge and the Sé de Lisboa, were built during the reign of Afonso I in the aftermath of the siege. The city’s long and complex history is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural traditions, which blend elements of both Christian and Muslim heritage.
The Siege of Lisbon also had a lasting impact on the Muslim world. The defeat of the Almohad Caliphate at the hands of the Christian forces marked a turning point in the balance of power in the region. It weakened the Caliphate’s influence in the region and paved the way for the eventual decline of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.
In conclusion, the Siege of Lisbon was a pivotal moment in the history of Portugal and the broader context of the Crusades. It marked the beginning of Portugal’s rise as a major European power, and had significant consequences for the region and the wider world. The legacy of the siege can still be seen in Lisbon today, and serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the historical context of conflicts, and their lasting impact on our world.
Three good books to read about the Siege of Lisbon: