Battle of Lucena facts for kids
The Battle of Lucena, also known as the Battle of Martín González, was an important fight during the Reconquista. This was a long period when Christian kingdoms in Spain fought to take back land from Muslim rule. The battle happened in April 1483. It was fought between the Christian army of the Crown of Castile and the Muslim army of the Emirate of Granada. During this battle, the Christian forces captured Muhammad XII of Granada, who was the ruler of Granada.
Quick facts for kids Battle of Lucena |
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| Part of the Reconquista | |||||||
 A monument in Lucena commemorating the battle |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Emirate of Granada |
 Crown of Castile |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Muhammad XII of Granada (POW) Ibrahim Aliatar † |
Diego Fernández de Córdoba y Carrillo de Albornoz Diego Fernández de Córdoba y Arellano Hernando de Argote |
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| Strength | |||||||
| c.5,000-6,000 | c.4,500-6,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Very Heavy; Granadan army rendered ineffective | Minimal | ||||||
What Happened at Lucena?
The battle took place near the city of Lucena. This city is in the province of Córdoba, in Andalusia, Spain. It is located south of the Sierra de Aras mountains.
Why the Battle Started
The battle began because Muhammad XII of Granada, also known as Boabdil, wanted to attack Lucena. He hoped to punish the Christians there. Boabdil wanted to show his strength. He also wanted to be as successful as his rival, Muhammad XIII. Muhammad XIII had recently won a victory against Christian forces.
At this time, the Emirate of Granada was having big problems. There was a serious fight for power. Some people supported the sultan Abu l-Hasan Ali. Others supported his son, Muhammad XII of Granada (Boabdil).
The Siege of Lucena
Boabdil began to surround Lucena on April 20, 1483. He had help from his father-in-law, Ibrahim Aliatar. Ibrahim Aliatar was the mayor of Loja. He knew the lands of southern Córdoba very well. He was also famous for leading successful raids against Christians.
The city of Lucena was defended by two important leaders. One was Diego Fernández de Córdoba y Arellano, known as the "alcaide de los Donceles." The other was Hernando de Argote, the alcaide of Lucena.
Calling for Help
The alcaide de los Donceles lit fires on the watchtowers. This was a signal for help. He was asking his uncle, Diego Fernández de Córdoba y Carrillo de Albornoz, the 2nd count of Cabra, to come. The Count of Cabra quickly arrived with his army from nearby Cabra.
Boabdil arranged his army to face the northwest. He wanted to avoid being surprised by the Count's army. But when they saw they were outnumbered, Boabdil's forces pulled back. The main battle then began outside the city.
Boabdil is Captured
During the battle, the Muslim forces started to run away in a panic. Ibrahim Aliatar, Boabdil's father-in-law, was killed in the fighting. Boabdil tried to escape. However, his horse got stuck in the mud. He had to hide in the plants nearby.
A group of Christian soldiers found him. They realized he was an important person because of his fancy clothes. This led to the capture of Muhammad XII (Boabdil). He was taken as a prisoner to the Castle of Moral in Lucena.
The Dispute Over the Prisoner
After this big success, the nephew (the alcaide de los Donceles) and the uncle (the Count of Cabra) started arguing. They both wanted to be the one to hand over the important prisoner to the Catholic Monarchs. The argument was so intense that Ferdinand II of Aragon had to step in.
King Ferdinand ordered both of them to take the sultan to Porcuna. Boabdil was imprisoned again there. He was held in the castle's tower. Today, this tower is still known as the Tower of Boabdil.
Gifts from the Monarchs
The clothes, shoes, and swords that Muhammad XII (Boabdil) wore were very special. The Catholic Monarchs gave them as gifts to the alcaide de los Donceles and the Count of Cabra. Today, you can see these items displayed at the Army Museum of Toledo.
Images for kids
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A monument in Lucena commemorating the battle
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Lucena para niños
