Battle of Sagrajas (Zallaqa)
The four riders
Illustration by Alfredo Roque Gameiro in the book História de Portugal, popular e ilustrada, by Manuel Pinheiro Chagas
Battle of Zalaca (Battle of Sagrajas), 1086 (J. Serra)
Historical Overview
The Battle of Sagrajas, also called Zalaca or Zallaqah, was a conflict fought in 1086 between the Almoravid army, led by their king, Yusuf ibn Tashfin, and the forces of King Alfonso VI of Castile. The Almoravids were called into battle by the taifas, Muslim principalities in Al-Andalus that often fought amongst themselves but united against the expanding Christian kingdoms to the north. In addition to the Almoravid forces, the Taifas, bolstered the Muslim side, tilting the battle in their favor. The battlefield became known as az-Zallaqah due to the immense bloodshed that made the terrain treacherous, giving rise to its name in Arabic.
Quick Facts
Almoravid Empire
- Commander: Yusuf ibn Taschfin
- Strength: ca. 15.000
- Casualties: Moderat
Kingdom of Castile
- Commander: Alfons VI.
- Strength: ca. 10.000
- Casualties: Sehr hoch
Strategic Context
Moorish counter-offensive to save the beleaguered Taifa kingdoms.
Conflict / War
Reconquista
Related Literature
Historical Locations
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