Algiers expedition (1519) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Algiers expedition (1519)
Date August 1519 Location Algiers Result Victory of the Regency of Algiers
Belligerents
Spain Kingdom of Sicily	Regency of Algiers
Commanders and leaders
Hugo de Moncada	Hayreddin Barbarossa
Strength
58 ships 23,000 soldiers	Very few
Casualties and losses
20 ships sunk 4,000 killed 3,036 captured	Very few

In August 1519, a large Spanish and Italian fleet launched an attack on the city of Algiers. This attack was ordered by Charles V, who was a powerful emperor and king of Spain. The expedition was led by Hugo de Moncada, a Spanish leader. However, this military mission ended in a big failure for the Spanish forces.

The Algiers Expedition of 1519

This expedition was planned by Charles V, who wanted to take control of Algiers. Algiers was an important city in North Africa. Charles V ordered Hugo de Moncada, who was the Viceroy of Sicily (a high-ranking official in charge of a region), to prepare the attack.

The Spanish had tried to conquer Algiers before, in 1516. That earlier attack had been defeated by Oruç Reis, a famous Ottoman corsair (a type of pirate or privateer). Oruç Reis was the brother of Hayreddin Barbarossa, who would become an even more famous admiral.

Barbarossa's Defense

When Hugo de Moncada's fleet arrived in August 1519, Hayreddin Barbarossa was ready to defend Algiers. Barbarossa was a skilled naval commander and leader of the Regency of Algiers. He had a much smaller force but was very clever.

Barbarossa successfully fought off the Spanish and Italian forces. The attack turned into a disaster for Moncada's army. Many Spanish ships were sunk, and thousands of soldiers were killed or captured.

Aftermath of the Battle

Hugo de Moncada, the leader of the expedition, managed to escape the battle. However, a large number of his soldiers, about 3,036 Spaniards, were captured by Barbarossa's forces.

When Charles V offered to pay money to get his captured officers back, Barbarossa refused. He showed no mercy to the captured soldiers. Barbarossa was a very tough opponent.

This defeat was a major setback for Spain. Hugo de Moncada tried to lead another expedition against Algiers in 1523, but it also failed. Barbarossa continued to be a powerful force in the Mediterranean Sea. He even captured a place called Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera in 1522 and successfully defended it from a Spanish attempt to take it back three years later.

See also

• Algiers Expedition (1516)
• Algiers expedition (1541)