02/09/2026
⚔️ 2nd of September 1189 - Silves... a bit of History
The capture of Silves took place on September 2, 1189, exactly 837 years ago. This important and risky military operation stands as one of the most complex and significant episodes of the Reconquista in the Iberian Peninsula.
Led by King Sancho I of Portugal, the operation went far beyond a simple border raid. Some raids were called "fossados" ( that's a portuguese word ), but this wasn't a normal raid.
It evolved into a campaign of immense geopolitical importance, laying the groundwork for the territorial expansion and legal consolidation of the Portuguese Crown in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.
In the late 12th century, the city of Silves (then known as Xelb) served as the main regional capital of the Almohad Empire in the territory that corresponds to the modern-day Algarve.
It was a rich and opulent muslim city.
The strategic opportunity for the offensive arose in the summer of 1189 with the arrival on the Portuguese coast of a large fleet of German, Flemish, and English Crusaders en route to the Eastern Mediterranean for the Third Crusade.
Despite a prior surrender agreement, the entry into the "medina" was marked by violent looting perpetrated by the Crusader forces before the Portuguese Crown could take effective possession of the city.
Do you know one of the main reasons for the surrender of the Moors of Silves? Who can answer that? I will mention that in my comments ok ?
Following the fierce Almohad counter-offensive of 1191, just two years later, led by Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, Christian forces were driven out of Silves and almost the entire Alentejo region.
I hope you like these historical facts.
By the way, the History of the Algarve is full of amazing events and the Algarve is much more than beautiful beaches, breathtaking cliffs and amazing caves.
Warmest Regards from this beautiful and ancient southern region... my wonderful Algarve 🌞 😎
Johnny ( João )
Johnny's Tours
