Battle of Falconaria facts for kids

The Battle of Falconaria was an important battle during the later part of the War of the Sicilian Vespers. It happened on December 1, 1299. The battle was fought between the forces of Frederick II of Sicily and Philip I of Taranto from the Kingdom of Naples. Frederick's side won a big victory, and Philip was even captured during the fight.

How the Battle Started

Philip's Invasion of Sicily

In 1294, Philip I of Taranto was made the main leader for the Kingdom of Sicily by his father, Charles II of Naples. Philip then started getting ready for a big invasion of the island of Sicily. This invasion began in November 1299.

Philip landed with about 50 ships and many soldiers and noblemen. He began to attack the city of Trapani.

Frederick Prepares for Battle

When Frederick II of Sicily heard about the attack, he quickly gathered his own army. He brought together citizens and his soldiers at Castrogiovanni. Then, he marched to help Trapani.

The two armies met on a flat area called Falconaria. This plain was located between the cities of Marsala and Trapani.

How the Armies Lined Up

Philip organized his army in a traditional way for that time. He had three main groups of soldiers lined up side-by-side. Philip himself led the group on the right side. The middle group was led by his main military commander, Broglio dei Bonsi. The group on the left was led by Thomas II Sanseverino, who was a count.

Frederick also used common battle tactics of the Middle Ages. He arranged his forces into three columns next to each other. Frederick led his own middle group, which was made up only of foot soldiers. He put Blasco I of Alagona in charge of the left group. This group had a few horse soldiers and some special fighters called Almogàvers. The right group was mostly horse soldiers. They were led by Frederick's most important noblemen, who had won the Battle of Montaperti.

The Battle Begins

The fighting started when the Sicilian left group, led by Blasco, moved forward to attack Sanseverino's group. In response, Philip ordered his crossbow soldiers to shoot arrows at the Almogàvers.

Philip then personally led his own soldiers to attack Blasco and the Sicilian left. However, they met strong resistance. So, Philip decided to move his attack towards the weaker Sicilian center, where Frederick himself was.

Philip's Capture

This change in Philip's plan was a big mistake. Broglio, who led Philip's middle group, was unable to join the fight at that moment. This gave Blasco an opportunity. He turned his Almogàver fighters against Philip's group. Philip's horse soldiers, who were the best knights from Naples, became completely disorganized. Philip fought bravely, but he was knocked off his horse and captured.

After the Battle

With their leader Philip captured, the Neapolitan attack quickly fell apart. Frederick's army marched victoriously into Trapani.