Capture of Leiria (1137)
The Capture of Leiria was a military engagement between the Almoravids and the Portuguese in the fort of Leiria. The Almoravids were victorious and sacked Leiria.

History
After the last attack on Coimbra, the outer fortifications were destroyed by the Almoravids. They were abandoned for some time.H. V. Livermore, p. 62 To stop the Almoravid attack on Portugal. The Portuguese king, Afonso I, decided to build the fortress of Leiria near the Nabão River, to support the defenses of Coimbra. The construction of this fort began in December 1135. It was the southernmost fortress which also served as a base of operations against lisbon and Sintra. After its construction, Afonso appointed Paio Guterres, a dedicated knight known for his exploits. Paio made daring raids into Muslim territories, causing destruction.H. V. Livermore, p. 62-63Adriano Mendes, p. 30-31J.A. de Mattos, p. 50Manuel Pinheiro Chagas & Joaquim Alfredo Gallis, p. 22

While the Portuguese king was campaigning in Galicia, the Almoravids and the Andalusians, gathered their forces and launched a campaign against Leiria in 1137. The Almoravids laid siege to the fort. The Portuguese garrison defended themselves bravely, however, they weren't able to push back the Almoravids. Leiria was captured and over 250 knights and men-at-arms were killed. Paio was able to escape the disaster. A Portuguese force came to the aid of the besieged. They advanced in the Nabão River to disrupt the Almoravid activities. However, the relief force was routed and forced to retreat.H. V. Livermore, p. 63Adriano Mendes, p. 31J.A. de Mattos, p. 50Manuel Pinheiro Chagas & Joaquim Alfredo Gallis, p. 22

Reports of the loss created a shock in Portugal. The Portuguese king was forced to abandon his campaign in Galicia, made peace with the Leonese, and returned to the south to avenge the defeat at Leiria, making preparations for a campaign against the Almoravids.H. V. Livermore, p. 63J.A. de Mattos, p. 50Manuel Pinheiro Chagas & Joaquim Alfredo Gallis, p. 22 Leiria was rebuilt later on but on 1140, it was destroyed again by the Almoravids.Adriano Mendes, p. 31

References

Sources
H. V. Livermore (1947), A History Of Portugal.
J.A. de Mattos (1876), Historia de Portugal.
Manuel Pinheiro Chagas & Joaquim Alfredo Gallis (1899), Historia de Portugal, Popular e illustrada. Vol I.
Adriano Mendes Strecht de Vasconcelos (1909), Breve noticia das ordens monastico-militares em Portugal.

Category:12th century in Portugal
Category:Battles involving Portugal
Category:Battles of the Reconquista
Category:Battles involving the Almoravid dynasty
Category:Conflicts in 1137
Category:County of Portugal
Category:12th century in al-Andalus