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James I's Conquest of Majorca
In 1229, Aragon's James I led a crusader fleet across from the eastern Iberian coast, landing on Majorca and besieging the Muslim capital Madina Mayu…
Timeline
- 1228–1229Ports of Barcelona and Tarragona · CataloniaWith the support of nobles and the Church, James I raised troops and ships, assembled the expeditionary fleet at Catalan ports, and issued land-division charters to motivate participants. The target was Muslim-ruled Majorca, aiming to open Aragon's route to the eastern Mediterranean.
- 1229Santa Ponça Bay · MajorcaThe fleet landed in Santa Ponça Bay in September, then moved north to besiege the Muslim capital Madina Mayurqa. The defenders resisted from walls and harbor, while the Christian coalition pressed with siege engines and a naval blockade; the fighting lasted several months.
- 1229Madina Mayurqa (Palma) · MajorcaIn December Madina Mayurqa fell; Emir Abu Yahya was killed or captured, and organized resistance on Majorca collapsed. James I then dispatched forces to pacify the rest of the island, bringing the Balearics under the direct rule of the Crown of Aragon.
Sources
- Llibre dels fets (Chronicle of James I) — 海梅一世（传）
- A History of Medieval Spain — Joseph F. O'Callaghan (1975)