Battle of Consuegra explained

Conflict:Battle of Consuegra
Date:15 August 1097
Place:Consuegra
Result:Almoravid victory
Combatant1:Almoravid dynasty
Combatant2:Kingdom of Castile
Kingdom of León
Commander1:Muhammad ibn Al-Haj
Commander2:Alfonso VI of León and Castile
Diego Rodríguez
Strength1:Unknown
Strength2:Unknown
Casualties1:Unknown
Casualties2:Heavy

The Battle of Consuegra took place during the Spanish Reconquista on 15 August 1097 near the village of Consuegra in the province of Castile-La Mancha between the Castilian and Leonese army of Alfonso VI and the Almoravids under Yusuf ibn Tashfin.

History

In 1097, the Almoravid leader, Yusuf ibn Tasfhin, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar where he went to Cordoba intending to sack the suburbs of Toledo.[1] [2] The Castilian-Leonese king, Alfonso, who had already musted his army to besiege Zaragoza, learned of the upcoming Almoravid invasion and decided to meet them. The Castilian knight, El Cid, then his son Diego Rodríguez with an army to assist the king all while staying in Valencia.[3]

Yusuf had already gathered his army, which consisted of Almoravids and Andalusian men. Yusuf then gave the command to his general, Muhammad ibn Al-Haj.[4] Yusuf chose not to participate as he intended to cover the retreat of his troops in case they lost.[5] Both armies met at Consuegra. The Almoravids with their tactics, routed the Christians and threw their vanguard in confusion. Diego Rodriquez was slain in the battle and the king retreated towards the Consuegra castle.[6] [7]

The Almoravids invested in the castle for eight days before retreating. The battle happened on Saturday, August 15, 1097.[8] [9]

Sources

39.45°N -39°W

Notes and References

  1. Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 371-372
  2. Ramón Menéndez Pidal
  3. Ramón Menéndez Pidal
  4. Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 371-372
  5. Ramón Menéndez Pidal
  6. Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 372
  7. Ramón Menéndez Pidal
  8. Ramón Menéndez Pidal
  9. Muhammad Abdullah Enan, p. 372