Battle of Alhandic facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Alhandic
Part of the Reconquista
The walls of Zamora.
Date 5 August 939 Location Zamora, Spain 41°29′57.948″N 5°45′22.424″W / 41.49943000°N 5.75622889°W / 41.49943000; -5.75622889 Result Victory for the Caliphate of Córdoba
Belligerents
Kingdom of León	Caliphate of Córdoba
Commanders and leaders
Ramiro II of León	Abd al-Rahman III

The Battle of Alhandic was a major fight that happened on August 5, 939. It took place in the city of Zamora, Spain, which is in modern-day Spain. This battle was part of a long period called the Reconquista. During the Reconquista, Christian kingdoms in the north of Spain fought to take back land from Muslim rulers in the south.

In this battle, the army of the Caliphate of Córdoba attacked Zamora. This powerful Muslim empire was led by Abd al-Rahman III. The city of Zamora was defended by soldiers loyal to Ramiro II of León, who was the King of León. The fighting was very intense and bloody. In the end, Abd al-Rahman's troops won and took control of Zamora. This battle is sometimes called the "Battle of Zamora's Moat" because of the fierce fighting around the city's defenses.

It's important not to confuse this battle with the Day of Zamora. That event happened earlier, in the year 901.

Why the Battle Happened

When Abd al-Rahman III became the ruler of the Caliphate of Córdoba, he wanted to make his power stronger. He also wanted to bring order back to his lands, known as Al-Andalus. To do this, he decided to attack cities on the border. These cities acted like a protective wall against the Christian kingdoms to the north, like the Kingdom of León.

Zamora's Importance

Zamora was a very important city. It was right on the main path that the Leonese troops often used. Because of its location, Abd al-Rahman saw it as a key target. He wanted to capture it to weaken his enemies and secure his own borders.

The Attack on Zamora

Abd al-Rahman's army attacked Zamora on August 5, 939. His plan was to fill the deep ditch, called a moat, around the city walls. He wanted to use bodies and other things to fill it up. This would make it easier for his soldiers to climb over the walls and fight the defenders directly. This very tough and bloody strategy is why the battle is also known as the Batalla del Foso de Zamora, which means "Battle of Zamora's Moat."

The Outcome

After the intense fighting, the troops of Abd al-Rahman won the battle. They took over the city of Zamora and looted it. This victory was a significant moment for the Caliphate of Córdoba.

See Also

• Day of Zamora – This battle took place outside Zamora's walls in 901.
• Zamora, Spain
• Ramiro II of León
• Battle of Simancas