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  • Source: Capture of Leiria (1137)

    • The Capture of Leiria was a military engagement between the Almoravids and the Portuguese in the fort of Leiria. The Almoravids were victorious and sacked Leiria.


    History


    After the last attack on Coimbra, the outer fortifications were destroyed by the Almoravids. They were abandoned for some time. To stop the Almoravid attack on Portugal. The Portuguese count, Afonso Henriques, decided to build the fortress of Leiria near the Nabão River, to support the defenses of Coimbra. The construction of this fort began in December 1135. It was the southernmost fortress which also served as a base of operations against lisbon and Sintra. After its construction, Afonso appointed Paio Guterres, a dedicated knight known for his exploits. Paio made daring raids into Muslim territories, causing destruction.
    While the Portuguese count was campaigning in Galicia, the Almoravids and the Andalusians, gathered their forces and launched a campaign against Leiria in 1137. The Almoravids laid siege to the fort. The Portuguese garrison defended themselves bravely, however, they weren't able to push back the Almoravids. Leiria was captured and over 250 knights and men-at-arms were killed. Paio was able to escape the disaster. A Portuguese force came to the aid of the besieged. They advanced in the Nabão River to disrupt the Almoravid activities. However, the relief force was routed and forced to retreat.
    Reports of the loss created a shock in Portugal. The Portuguese count was forced to abandon his campaign in Galicia, made peace with the Leonese, and returned to the south to avenge the defeat at Leiria, making preparations for a campaign against the Almoravids. Leiria was rebuilt later on but on 1140, it was destroyed again by the Almoravids.


    References




    Sources


    H. V. Livermore (1947), A History Of Portugal.[1]
    J.A. de Mattos (1876), Historia de Portugal.[2]
    Manuel Pinheiro Chagas & Joaquim Alfredo Gallis (1899), Historia de Portugal, Popular e illustrada. Vol I.[3]
    Adriano Mendes Strecht de Vasconcelos (1909), Breve noticia das ordens monastico-militares em Portugal.[4]

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