Battle of Cambrils facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Cambrils
Part of Reapers' War
Wall of Cambrils
Date 13–16 December 1640 Location Cambrils, Principality of Catalonia, Spain Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
Principality of Catalonia	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Antoni d'Armengol  † Jacint Vilosa  † Carles Bertrolà i de Caldés  †	Pedro Fajardo
Strength
2,000 - 4,000 2 cannons	23,000 infantry 3,000 cavalry 25 cannons
Casualties and losses
1,100 killed	unknown

The Battle of Cambrils was a very important event that happened in December 1640. It was part of a bigger conflict called the Reapers' War. Sometimes, people also call it the Massacre of Cambrils because of the sad events that took place.

This battle happened in the town of Cambrils, which is in Catalonia, a region in Spain. It was a fight between Catalan rebels and the Spanish army.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

The Reapers' War started in May and June of 1640. This was a time when people in Catalonia were unhappy with the Spanish government. They wanted more control over their own region.

Spanish Army Moves In

As a reaction to the revolt, the Spanish army began to take control of parts of Catalonia. In September, they occupied a city called Tortosa.

On December 8, a very large Spanish army began to march towards Barcelona. This army was led by a commander named Pedro Fajardo de Zúñiga y Requesens. On their way, they passed through the town of Cambrils.

The Fight for Cambrils

A small group of Catalan rebels were in Cambrils. They tried to surprise the much larger Spanish army. However, their plan didn't work.

Defending the Town

After their ambush failed, the Catalan rebels went back into the town of Cambrils. They decided to defend it against the powerful Spanish army. The Spanish army had many more soldiers and cannons.

For several days, there was heavy fighting. The Spanish army used their cannons to bombard the town. This means they fired many cannonballs at the walls and buildings.

The Town Falls

Eventually, the Spanish army managed to capture Cambrils. It was a very difficult fight for the defenders.

Sad Events After the Battle

When the defenders of Cambrils tried to give up, many of them were killed. About 700 people lost their lives.

Leaders Executed

The three leaders of the Catalan defenders were quickly put on trial. Their names were Antoni d'Armengol, Jacint Vilosa, and Carles Bertrolà i de Caldés. They were found guilty and executed by a method called the garrote.

The very next day, even more people were executed. The Spanish army also took valuable things from the city. This is called sacking.

What Happened Next?

After the battle, the Spanish army continued its march towards Barcelona. They captured another important city, Tarragona, on December 24.

However, the Spanish army did not win every battle. Later, they faced a big defeat in the Battle of Montjuïc on January 23, 1641. This battle was a victory for the Catalans.

See also

• In Spanish: Batalla de Cambrils para niños