Battle of Castelo Rodrigo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Castelo Rodrigo
Part of Portuguese Restoration War
View of Castelo Rodrigo
Date 7 July 1664 Location Near Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal Result Portuguese victory
Belligerents
Portugal	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Pedro Jacques de Magalhães	Duke of Osuna John of Austria the Younger
Strength
3,000	7,000 9 cannons
Casualties and losses
1 killed	2,000 killed 500 prisoners All the artillery captured

The Battle of Castelo Rodrigo, also called the Battle of Salgadela, was a big fight that happened on July 7, 1664. It took place near a town called Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo in Portugal. This battle was part of the Portuguese Restoration War, a long conflict where Portugal fought to become independent from Spain again.

What Was the Portuguese Restoration War?

The Portuguese Restoration War was a war between Portugal and Spain. It lasted from 1640 to 1668. Portugal had been ruled by Spain for many years. This war was Portugal's fight to regain its freedom. The Battle of Castelo Rodrigo was one important event in this long struggle.

The Fight for Castelo Rodrigo Castle

Before the main battle, there were some smaller fights. The Spanish army, led by the Duke of Osuna, decided to attack Castelo Rodrigo castle. He brought a very large force of about 7,000 soldiers. They also had 9 powerful cannons.

The castle itself was defended by only a small group of Portuguese soldiers. There were just 150 of them. They were greatly outnumbered by the Spanish army.

Portuguese Come to the Rescue

The military leader of the area was Pedro Jacques de Magalhães. He heard about the Spanish attack. He quickly gathered about 3,000 Portuguese soldiers. His goal was to march and save the castle.

Pedro Jacques de Magalhães, the Portuguese military commander

The Battle of Salgadela

The main battle happened near a village called Mata de Lobos. This area was also known as "Salgadela." The Portuguese army met the Spanish forces there.

The Spanish army attacked first. But the Portuguese soldiers fought bravely and pushed them back. After stopping the Spanish attack, the Portuguese launched their own counter-attack. This move was very successful and decided the battle.

The Portuguese won a big victory. They captured many Spanish soldiers. They also took all 9 of the Spanish cannons. It is said that the Spanish commanders, the Duke of Osuna and John of Austria the Younger, had to escape. They supposedly dressed up as monks to get away safely.

A special stone was later placed at the battlefield. It serves as a memorial to this important victory.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Castelo Rodrigo para niños