Siege of Lisbon (1109)

Siege of Lisbon (1109)
Part of the Norwegian Crusade and the Reconquista
Location Lisbon Result Norwegian victory Territorial changes Norway takes control of Lisbon
Belligerents
Kingdom of Norway	Almoravid Empire Taifa of Badajoz
Commanders and leaders
Sigurd I of Norway
Strength
60 ships	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Low	Unknown, high

The siege of Lisbon (Norwegian: Beleiringen av Lisboa) was a military campaign and siege at the city of Lisbon. The Norwegian Realm fought the Iberian Muslims at the city in 1109. The Norwegians eventually won, suffering very low casualties. The siege in particular had a significant impact on Lisbon because of the ongoing Christian and Muslim conflicts on the Iberian Peninsula.

Map of the route taken during the Norwegian Crusade

Background

In 1109 a Norwegian fleet of 60 ships entered Lisbon through the Tagus river under the command of Sigurd I of Norway. There, they would eventually besiege the city and hand it over to the Christian Kingdom of León through their vassal and Henry, Count of Portugal.

Siege

Although much of the actual siege is unknown, it is described as a vast and bloody battle in and around the city of Lisbon. The walls were broken by catapults, with the Norwegian army suffering few casualties and losses. The Norwegian army, with Sigurd the Crusader at its head, plundered and seized the city successfully. The siege and raid on the Muslim city is often referred to as Sigurd's third victory during his crusade. It is often recognised as having had a major impact on the Reconquista.

Aftermath

It is unknown how much Sigurd's siege contributed to the Reconquista, although much suggests an impact, with scholars even referring to the Norse raids on Iberia and the Balearic Islands as part of the larger history of Islamic Iberia. Some of the men that were captured in the siege were baptized afterwards. The king took what he could carry before leaving the city to continue the Crusade. He would later go on to attack the Barbary pirates of Majorca before continuing his journey to Sicily.

Shortly after the siege, the city was handed over to the Kingdom of León through Henry, Count of Portugal. Evidence points to there being some sort of agreement between Sigurd and Count Henry of Portugal; however, there are no direct records of the alliance. It is most likely not a coincidence of events, since Henry captured Sintra at least once in 1109. This suggests coordination between the two leaders, though pure luck should not be ruled out.

Bibliography

• Aðalbjarnarson, Bjarni (1951). Heimskringla: History of the Kings of Norway, 3rd edn. Hið íslenzka fornritafélag.
• Bergan, Halvor (2005) Kong Sigurds Jorsalferd. Den unge kongen som ble Norges helt (Norgesforlaget) ISBN 82-91986-75-4