On This Day

Battle of az-Zallaqah: Almoravid army of Yusuf ibn Tashfin defeats the forces of Castilian King Alfonso VI

The Battle of Sagrajas (23 October 1086), 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...

The Battle of Sagrajas (23 October 1086), 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 (meaning "slippery ground") due to the immense bloodshed that made the terrain treacherous, giving rise to its name in Arabic.

Historical Significance

The Battle of Sagrajas (23 October 1086), 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.

Events Before

  1. Battle at Mailberg: Vratislav II of Bohemia defeats Leopold II, Margrave of Austria

    Leopold II (1050 – 12 October 1095), known as Leopold the Fair (German: Luitpold der Schöne), a member of the House of Babenberg, was Margrave of Austria from 1075 until his death in 1095.

  2. Ramon Berenguer II, Count of Barcelona is assassinated

    Ramon Berenguer II the Towhead or Cap de estopes (1053 or 1054 – December 5, 1082) was Count of Barcelona from 1076 until his death.

  3. Anti-pope Clement crowns German King Hendrik IV as Holy Roman Emperor

    Anti-pope Clement crowns German King Hendrik IV as Holy Roman Emperor

  4. Alfonso VI of León and Castile captures the Muslim taifa of Toledo

    Alfonso VI of León and Castile captures the Muslim taifa of Toledo

  5. San Marcos ministry in Venice initiated

    San Marcos ministry in Venice initiated

Events After

  1. Odo of Lagery is elected as Pope Urban II, succeeding Victor III

    Pope Urban II (Latin: Urbanus II; c. 1035 – 29 July 1099), otherwise known as Odo of Châtillon or Otho de Lagery, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 12 March 1088...

  2. Battle at Hagenoorde: German emperor beats earl Egbert II

    Battle at Hagenoorde: German emperor beats earl Egbert II

  3. Battle at Monte Levunium: Byzantium Emperor Alexius I beats Petshegene force invading from the north

    Battle at Monte Levunium: Byzantium Emperor Alexius I beats Petshegene force invading from the north

  4. Floris II de Vette becomes Count of Holland

    Floris II de Vette becomes Count of Holland

  5. Tornado (possible T8/F4) strikes the heart of London, killing two and demolishing the wooden London Bridge (OS 17 Oct) [

    Tornado (possible T8/F4) strikes the heart of London, killing two and demolishing the wooden London Bridge (OS 17 Oct) [1]

More from the 1080s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on October 23, 1086?
The Battle of Sagrajas (23 October 1086), 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.
Why is Battle of az-Zallaqah: Almoravid army of Yusuf ibn Tashfin defeats the forces... significant?
The Battle of Sagrajas (23 October 1086), 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.

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