Conquest of Asilah

The Conquest of Asilah (أصيلة، أرزيلة;Portuguese: Arzila), took place in Morocco on 24 August, 1471, and opposed the Kingdom of Portugal and the Wattasid Morocco.

Continuing with his policy of expansion of the Portuguese territories in Morocco, and with the spirit of Crusade against the Muslims always present, King Afonso V of Portugal initially set plans to conquer Tangier, but subsequently decided to conquer Arzila.

Departing from the Portuguese town of Lagos with an army of about 30,000 men and 400 ships, Afonso V arrived at the Moroccan coast on the afternoon of 22 August. The Portuguese King then summoned his Council and decided to attack Asilah on the morning of the following day. After a troubled disembarkation that resulted in the death of more than 200 men caused by strong winds and waves, Afonso's army reached the shore and laid siege to the city of Asilah, conquering it after a hard battle on 24 of August, 1471.

The Count of Valença, Henrique de Menezes, was appointed as the first Portuguese governor of Asilah by King Afonso V.