Moroccan–Portuguese conflicts

Portuguese possessions in Morocco (1415-1769).

Moroccan–Portuguese conflicts refer to a series of battles between Morocco and Portugal throughout history.

The first military conflict, in 21 August 1415, took the form of a surprise assault on Ceuta by the 45,000 Portuguese soldiers who traveled on 200 ships. It was later followed by the siege of Ceuta in 1419. These events marked the beginning of the decline of the Marinid dynasty and the start of the Portuguese Empire.

The major battle, Battle of Alcácer Quibir, fought at Ksar-el-Kebir on 4 August 1578, was a catalyst for the 1580 Portuguese succession crisis. This resulted in a dynastic union between the Kingdom of Portugal and the Kingdom of Spain.

The conflicts ended when Portugal gave up Mazagan in 1769.

See also

• History of Morocco
• History of Portugal