Capture of Santarem

Date: March 15, 1147 • Location: Rome, Italy

Afonso I of Portugal captures in a surprise attack the city of Santarem from the Almoravids.

Dom Afonso I nicknamed "the Conqueror", "the Founder" and "the Great" by the Portuguese, was the first king of Portugal, from 26 July 1139 until his death on 6 December 1185. He achieved the independence of the County of Portugal, establishing a new kingdom and doubling its area with the Reconquista, an objective that he pursued until his death.