Battle of Ceuta (1309) facts for kids
The Battle of Ceuta (1309) was a big fight between the Crown of Aragon and the Nasrid kingdom of Granada. It happened in the city of Ceuta during a war that lasted from 1309 to 1319. The Benimerin Sultanate wanted to take Ceuta but didn't have a strong navy. So, the Crown of Aragon, who was already fighting Granada, decided to help the Benimerins capture the city.
Why the Battle Happened
On December 19, 1308, an important agreement was made in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. Ferdinand IV of Castile, the king of Castile, and representatives from Aragon signed the Treaty of Alcalá de Henares.
King Ferdinand IV, with support from his brother and other important leaders, agreed to start a war against the kingdom of Granada on June 24, 1309. Both he and the king of Aragon promised not to make peace with Granada separately.
Castile agreed to provide ten warships for the fight, and Aragon would also provide ten warships. They decided that Castile's army would attack the cities of Algeciras and Gibraltar. Aragon's army would try to conquer the city of Almería. King Ferdinand IV also promised to give Aragon a part of Granada, and the entire kingdom of Almería, if they won.
Later, in 1309, another agreement was made. This was the Treaty of Barcelona (1309). King Jaime II of Aragon and Abu- r-Rabin Sulayman ibn Yússuf, the Marinid sultan, became allies. The sultan hired Aragon's fleet and Christian soldiers to help him conquer Ceuta. At that time, Ceuta was controlled by Emir Nasr ibn Muhammad of Granada.
The Battle
On July 21, 1309, the battle for Ceuta began. Ships led by Jaspert V de Castellnou took control of the Strait of Gibraltar. At the same time, Eimeric de Bellveí commanded the ships of the Royal Navy, under James II of Aragon. They successfully conquered Ceuta. This was also seen as a step before a larger attack on Al-Mariyya by the Benimerins.
What Happened Next
After Ceuta was captured, it was given to the Benimerines. But then, something unexpected happened. The Benimerines changed their minds and decided to help the Grenadians instead!
Vice-Admiral Eimeric, who was in charge of the ships in the Strait of Gibraltar, had to quickly block the passage. He needed to stop the Benimerines, who were now enemies, from crossing into the Iberian Peninsula. Because of his bravery, people compared him to a famous naval hero named Roger de Lauria.
James II of Mallorca also sent a warship to help block the strait. He wanted to rescue some merchants from Mallorca who were being held in the Nasrid kingdom of Granada.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Ceuta (1309) para niños
