In today's article we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera expedition (1563). We will learn the fundamental aspects of Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera expedition (1563) and its impact on our lives. We will explore its history, evolution and relevance in today's society. Additionally, we will learn about the different perspectives and theories related to Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera expedition (1563), as well as possible future implications. Through a comprehensive analysis, we will try to gain a deeper understanding of Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera expedition (1563) and its importance in today's world. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and knowledge about Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera expedition (1563)!
Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera expedition (1563) | |||||||
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Part of the Ottoman-Habsburg wars | |||||||
The defeat of Spanish troops in Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Spanish Empire |
Ottoman Empire Gomera Berbers | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Sancho de Leyva Pedro de Venegas Álvaro de Bazán | Unknown | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
7,000 men 50 galleys | Unknown | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Heavy | Unknown |
In 1563, a Spanish military expedition was launched to reconquer the exclave of Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, which was under the control of the Ottomans. The campaign ended in a fiasco for the Spanish troops.
In 1522, Spain lost the peñón to a Moroccan Berber attack that resulted in the deaths of the entire Spanish garrison. Ali Abu Hassun, the new Wattasid ruler of Morocco in 1554, then gave the peñón to the Ottoman troops who had assisted him in gaining the throne. In 1525, the Spanish made an attempt to recover the islet but were defeated. After the victory at Oran, king Philip II of Spain decided to take advantage by launching a counter strike against Barbary haven, which is Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera.
In 1563, the Spanish prepared another campaign against Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera. The command was given to Don Sanco de Leyva. The Spanish prepared an armada of 50 galleys and 7,000 men. The Spanish armada left Málaga on July 23. At Peñón, the Spanish governor, Pedro Venegas, made a plan by scaling the walls at night. He had fifty volunteers, accompanied by the eighth galleys of Álvaro de Bazán; however, the assault ended in failure after someone made a noise which alarmed the garrison and alarmed the others by firing cannons and dawn had arrived.
Despite this failure, Sancho did not give up and landed between 4,000 and 5,000 men six miles away from the rock in an attempt to capture it by land, however, the night assault again ended in failure as the defenders were alarmed. Ottoman galleys began appearing to support the garrison. The failure of the assault frustrated Sancho who held a council. The majority agreed to withdraw, except Álvaro de Bazán, who argued for the continuation of the campaign. He even proposed ideas for another assault, but Sancho ordered the troops to reembark.
The Spanish troops began leaving, but during their retreat, the Ottoman garrison and the Gomera Berbers attacked them with their artillery, inflicting heavy losses on the Spanish. The Muslims had acquired great loot the Spanish left. The Spanish returned to Malaga on August 2.