Battle of al-Zallāqah

References

Battle of al-Zallāqah

Spanish history

Also known as: Battle of Zalacca

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The Battle of al-Zallāqah, also known as the Battle of Sagrajas, took place on October 23, 1086. It was a significant engagement between the Almoravid forces, led by Yusuf ibn Tashufin, and the Castilian army under King Alfonso VI. The Almoravids, who had crossed from North Africa, decisively defeated the Castilians. This victory halted the Christian Reconquista for a time and led to the Almoravids consolidating their power in Muslim Spain, deposing local rulers and establishing direct control. The battle is considered a turning point in the history of Muslim Spain, marking the beginning of the Almoravid empire's dominance.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Alfonso VI
…later, on October 23 at Zallāqah, near Badajoz, inflicted a terrible defeat on Alfonso VI. Alfonso appealed for help to the rest of Christendom, and a small Crusade was organized as a result; the Crusaders did not reach Alfonso’s lands but wasted their energies and resources in an unsuccessful siege…
Read More
…later, on October 23 at Zallāqah, near Badajoz, inflicted a terrible defeat on Alfonso VI. Alfonso appealed for help to the rest of Christendom, and a small Crusade was organized as a result; the Crusaders did not reach Alfonso’s lands but wasted their energies and resources in an unsuccessful siege…
Read More

Afṭasid dynasty
Almoravid armies defeated Alfonso at al-Zallāqah near Badajoz (October 23, 1086), establishing a foothold in Spain. Hence, al-Mutawakkil tried to bargain for Alfonso VI’s support, but Badajoz fell to the Almoravids in 1094, and al-Mutawakkil and two of his sons were executed.
Read More
Almoravid armies defeated Alfonso at al-Zallāqah near Badajoz (October 23, 1086), establishing a foothold in Spain. Hence, al-Mutawakkil tried to bargain for Alfonso VI’s support, but Badajoz fell to the Almoravids in 1094, and al-Mutawakkil and two of his sons were executed.
Read More

Ibn Khaldūn
Background and early life
…several were killed at the Battle of Al-Zallāqah (1086), which temporarily halted the Christian reconquest of Spain. But the respite thus won proved short, and in 1248, just before the fall of Sevilla and Córdoba, the Ibn Khaldūns and many of their countrymen judged it prudent to cross the Straits…
Read More
…several were killed at the Battle of Al-Zallāqah (1086), which temporarily halted the Christian reconquest of Spain. But the respite thus won proved short, and in 1248, just before the fall of Sevilla and Córdoba, the Ibn Khaldūns and many of their countrymen judged it prudent to cross the Straits…
Read More

Spain
The medieval empire, 1035–1157
After routing Alfonso’s army at Zalacca (Al-Zallāqah) in 1086, the Almoravids also overran Islamic Spain’s petty kingdoms. By restoring Islamic Spain’s unity, the Almoravids halted any further progress in the Reconquista and forced Alfonso to remain on the defensive thereafter. Although El Cid successfully repulsed the Almoravid attack on Valencia,…
Read More
After routing Alfonso’s army at Zalacca (Al-Zallāqah) in 1086, the Almoravids also overran Islamic Spain’s petty kingdoms. By restoring Islamic Spain’s unity, the Almoravids halted any further progress in the Reconquista and forced Alfonso to remain on the defensive thereafter. Although El Cid successfully repulsed the Almoravid attack on Valencia,…
Read More

Almoravids
At the Battle of Al-Zallāqah, near Badajoz, in 1086 Yūsuf halted an advance by the Castilians but did not regain Toledo.
Read More
At the Battle of Al-Zallāqah, near Badajoz, in 1086 Yūsuf halted an advance by the Castilians but did not regain Toledo.
Read More