Siege of Xàtiva (1707) facts for kids

The siege of Xàtiva was an important battle that happened in the city of Xàtiva in the Kingdom of Valencia (which is now part of Spain). It took place between May 8 and June 6, 1707. This event was part of a bigger conflict called the War of the Spanish Succession.

The Siege of Xàtiva: A Key Battle in Spain

What Was the War of the Spanish Succession?

The War of the Spanish Succession was a big European conflict that lasted from 1701 to 1714. It was fought to decide who would be the next king of Spain. Many countries were involved, including France, Great Britain, and different parts of what is now Spain.

The main issue was whether Philip of Bourbon, who was related to the French king, should become the King of Spain. Some countries worried that if he did, France and Spain would become too powerful together. This led to a long and difficult war across Europe.

Who Fought at Xàtiva?

At the siege of Xàtiva, two main groups faced each other. On one side were the forces supporting Philip of Bourbon. These were mostly Castilian (from central Spain) and French soldiers. They had a very large army, with about 9,000 to 11,000 troops. Their commanders were Claude François Bidal d'Asfeld and José Antonio de Chaves Osorio.

On the other side were the defenders of Xàtiva. These were Aragonese and British soldiers. They had a much smaller force, with only about 2,000 defenders. Their leaders were Miguel Purroi and Josep Marco.

What Happened During the Siege?

The siege of Xàtiva began on May 8, 1707. The large Franco-Castilian army surrounded the city. They tried to break through the city's defenses. The defenders of Xàtiva fought bravely, even though they were greatly outnumbered.

The fighting continued for nearly a month. The attacking forces used their numbers and power to slowly overcome the city's defenses. The people inside Xàtiva faced a very difficult time during this period.

What Happened After the Siege?

The Franco-Castilian forces eventually won the siege on June 6, 1707. After the city was captured, there were very harsh consequences for the people of Xàtiva. The city's defenders were treated very severely as a warning to others.

Most of the people living in Xàtiva were forced to leave their homes. They were moved to a different region called La Mancha. The city itself was then burned down. To erase its old identity, Xàtiva was renamed 'San Felipe' after the new king.

Why Are People from Xàtiva Called 'Socarrats'?

Today, the people from Xàtiva have a special nickname: 'socarrats'. This word means 'grilled people' or 'scorched people' in their local language. This nickname is a direct reference to the terrible event when their city was burned down after the siege in 1707. It's a way for them to remember their history and what their ancestors went through.

See also

In Spanish: Sitio de Játiva (1707) para niños