Capture of Porto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Capture of Porto |
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| Part of the War of the Portuguese Succession | |||||||
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 Spanish Empire |
 Portugal |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Sancho d'Avila |
Unknown | ||||||
The Capture of Porto was an important event that happened in October 1580. Spanish soldiers, led by Don Sancho d'Avila, took control of the city of Porto in Portugal. This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the War of the Portuguese Succession. When Porto was captured, it meant the end for the Portuguese army led by Prior António in mainland Portugal. This victory helped to join Portugal and Spain together for 60 years, under something called the Iberian Union.
Contents
Why Porto Was Captured
This event happened during the War of the Portuguese Succession. This war was about who would rule Portugal after its king died without an heir. Spain's King Philip II wanted to become the King of Portugal too.
After the Battle of Alcântara
Before Porto was captured, a big battle happened near Lisbon on August 25, 1580. This was the Battle of Alcântara. Spanish troops, led by Don Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alba, won this battle.
The Portuguese army, led by Dom António, Prior of Crato, was badly beaten. They fled from Lisbon towards other cities like Coimbra and Porto. Prior António hoped to gather his soldiers again and continue fighting.
Spanish Pursuit
The Duke of Alba, the Spanish commander, knew that Prior António might try to rebuild his army. To stop any further resistance against Philip II becoming King of Portugal, he sent General Don Sancho d'Avila to chase them.
The Capture of Porto
Spanish soldiers, led by Don Sancho d'Avila, traveled by sea to Porto. They arrived and landed in the city on October 24, 1580.
Porto Falls Easily
The city of Porto was captured very easily by the Spanish army. This quick victory meant the end of the Portuguese army's fight in mainland Portugal. It was a big success for Don Sancho d'Avila, and it turned out to be his last major military achievement.
After the war ended, General Sancho d'Avila returned to Lisbon. Sadly, he got injured by a horse there and did not recover properly. He passed away in May 1583.
What Happened Next
With the Spanish capture of Porto, the main part of Portugal was now under Spanish control. Only the Azores Islands, far out in the Atlantic Ocean, remained free from Spanish rule for a while.
Prior António Flees
In early 1581, Dom António fled to France. He took with him many valuable items, including the Portuguese Crown Jewels and many diamonds.
In France, he was welcomed by the Queen of France, Catherine de' Medici. She also had a claim to the Crown of Portugal. Dom António promised to give her the Portuguese colony of Brazil and sold some Portuguese jewels. In return, he got support to form a new fleet.
This new fleet was made up of French and Portuguese ships. It was led by Dom António himself and Filippo di Piero Strozzi, a Florentine soldier working for France. The English fleet also supported them later.
See also
In Spanish: Toma de Oporto para niños
