Battle of Montiel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Montiel
Part of the Castilian Civil War
Miniature of the Battle of Montiel from the "Chronicles" of Jean Froissart (15th century)
Date 14 March 1369 Location Montiel, La Mancha, Castile Result Franco-Castilian victory
Belligerents
Castilians supporting Henry France	Castilians supporting Peter Granada
Commanders and leaders
Henry of Trastámara Bertrand Du Guesclin	Peter of Castille   †
Strength
unknown	~15,000
Casualties and losses
unknown	unknown

The Battle of Montiel was an important fight that happened on March 14, 1369. It was part of a bigger conflict called the Castilian Civil War. In this battle, forces supporting Henry of Trastámara fought against those supporting the king, Peter of Castile. Henry's side was helped by French soldiers, while Peter's side had help from Granada.

A Royal Family Feud

In 1366, a civil war started in Castile, a kingdom in what is now Spain. This war was about who would be the next king. The current king was Peter of Castile. He was fighting against his half-brother, Henry of Trastámara.

Peter was supported by England. Henry was supported by France. Edward, the Black Prince, a famous English leader, led the English forces. The French forces were led by a skilled general named Bertrand du Guesclin.

The Black Prince helped Peter because he was the Prince of Aquitaine. This was a way to help Peter without breaking a peace treaty between England and France.

The Fight for the Throne

Henry's army lost a big battle called the Battle of Nájera in 1367. But King Peter then made a mistake. He did not pay the Black Prince for his help.

The Black Prince also became very sick. Because of these reasons, he stopped supporting Peter. He took his troops and went back to Aquitaine. This left King Peter in a weaker position.

The Battle of Montiel

The final battle took place at Montiel. Henry's forces, with their French allies, were led by Bertrand du Guesclin. King Peter led his own Castilian and Granadine soldiers.

Du Guesclin used clever tactics to surround Peter's army. This strategy helped Henry's side win the battle.

What Happened Next

After losing the battle, King Peter ran away. He tried to find safety in the castle of Montiel. But he became trapped there.

Peter tried to bribe Bertrand du Guesclin to let him escape. However, this was a trick. Peter was lured out of the castle. There, he met his half-brother Henry.

During a confrontation, Henry stabbed Peter multiple times. Peter died on March 23, 1369. His death ended the Castilian Civil War. Henry became the new king, known as Henry II of Castile.

Henry rewarded du Guesclin by making him the Duke of Molina. Henry also formed a strong alliance with the French King Charles V.

For several years after the battle, Castile's navy helped France. They fought against England along the coast and in Aquitaine. Du Guesclin also recaptured areas like Poitou and Normandy from the English.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Montiel para niños