Battle of Salé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Salé |
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 Salé
Location in Morocco
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Marinid dynasty |
 Kingdom of Castile |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Abu Yusuf Yaqub ibn Abd Al-Haqq |
Ruy López de Mendoza |
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| Units involved | |||||||
| Unknown | 37 battleships Unknown number of soldiers |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
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Heavy losses to the soldiers | ||||||
The Battle of Salé was an important event in 1260. It was a surprise attack on the Moroccan city of Salé by King Alfonso X of Castile from Spain. At that time, the city was ruled by the Marinid dynasty.
Castilian forces controlled Salé for two weeks. During this time, they took about 3,000 people from the city as prisoners. However, the Marinid dynasty soon took back control. Sultan Yacoub ben Abdelhaq quickly sent his army to free the city.
Contents
What Happened at the Battle of Salé?
The Battle of Salé took place in September 1260. It was a surprise attack by the Kingdom of Castile, led by King Alfonso X. Their target was the city of Salé in Morocco. Salé was an important city for trade and was a gateway to northern Morocco.
Why Did the Attack Happen?
According to the historian Ibn Khaldun, the Marinid dynasty had just taken control of Salé. A Marinid leader named Yacoub ben Abdellah rebelled against his uncle, Abu Yusuf Yaqub ibn Abd Al-Haqq, who was the Sultan. This rebel leader asked King Alfonso X of Castile for help.
King Alfonso X decided to send a large fleet of ships. This fleet was led by Ruy López de Mendoza, who was an important admiral. Their goal was to help the Castilian crusades along the North African coast.
The Surprise Attack on Salé
On September 10, 1260, which was the day before a big holiday called Eid al-Fitr, King Alfonso X sent 37 warships to Salé. The Castilian soldiers landed in Salé on September 11.
The people of Salé were busy celebrating Eid al-Fitr. The Castilian warriors took advantage of this. They attacked the city, killing many people. They also stole property and destroyed many things. Women, children, and older people were gathered into the Great Mosque of Salé. About 3,000 of them were taken as prisoners to Seville in Spain.
Marinid Forces Fight Back
For two weeks, Salé was controlled by the Castilians. But Sultan Yacoub ben Abdelhaq quickly came to help his city. He ordered his troops to march to Salé.
The Sultan commanded his soldiers to fight the Castilian invaders. Many Castilian soldiers were killed. Some managed to escape after stealing from homes and burning shops.
After the Battle
After the Marinid forces freed Salé, Sultan Yacoub ben Abdelhaq ordered new defenses to be built. He commanded the construction of the Borj Adoumoue (a tower) and a new wall along the Bou Regreg river.
Ruy López de Mendoza, the Castilian admiral, fled to Portugal after the battle. He was afraid of King Alfonso X because of the failure of the attack.
See also
- In Spanish: Batalla de Salé para niños
