Alfonso II begins the Portuguese Reconquista push
1211
The young king of Portugal launched raids south into the Alentejo and Algarve, seizing castles from the weakening Almohad caliphate. His campaigns laid the groundwork for his son Sancho II to take Elvas and his grandson Afonso III to complete the Portuguese Reconquista within fifty years. The conquered lands were parceled out to military orders whose fortified castles still punctuate the Alentejo landscape.
In context
Also in 1211 (3 other events on record)
- Mongols invade the Jin dynasty of north China · East Asia · War
- Reims cathedral construction begins · Europe · Culture
- Fifth Crusade called by Innocent III · Europe · Religion
Before and after in Europe
Before and after in War
Era
High Middle Ages (1000–1300), one of 1,306 events from that era on Saeculum.