Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa
1212 · Las Navas de Tolosa (Jaén Province, modern Spain) · World · Medieval
Guided by a shepherd, the coalition went around a mountain pass to make a surprise attack on the rear of the Almohad camp, and, attacking from within and without, crushed the Almohad army.
Belligerents
Christian coalition
- Commanders
- Alfonso VIII of Castile
- Strength
- Coalition of Castile, Aragon and Navarre
Almohad Caliphate
- Commanders
- Muhammad al-Nasir
- Strength
- Almohad army
Background
The Pope called for a crusade of "Reconquest" to support the Christian states of Iberia against the Almohad Caliphate of North Africa.
Course of the battle
- DetourGuided by a shepherd, the coalition went around a dangerous mountain pass.
- Surprise attackThe coalition launched a surprise attack on the Almohad camp from the flank and rear.
- EncirclementAttacked from within and without, the Almohad army was routed all along the line.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1212 |
|---|---|
| Place | Las Navas de Tolosa (present-day province of Jaén, Spain) |
| Result | Guided by a shepherd, the coalition went around a mountain pass to make a surprise attack on the rear of the Almohad camp, and, attacking from within and without, crushed the Almohad army. |
| Winner | Christian coalition |
| Casualties | The Almohad army suffered heavy losses, and the sultan barely escaped with his life. |
| Territorial change | Almohad power in Spain never recovered, and the Reconquista accelerated. |
Impact
Almohad power in Spain never recovered, and the Iberian Reconquista accelerated.
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