Ourique, Battle of

(25 July, 1139)

   The battle between the forces of the newly proclaimed king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, "The Founder," and Muslim forces, in which the Christian forces triumphed. The probable site of this battle whose history is clothed in legend is near the present city of Santarém. It is possible that the Muslims near that city then resumed payment of tribute to Afonso Henriques and that the triumph prepared the Portuguese forces for the coming assault on Lisbon, held by the Muslims, which was successful eight years later. Among the legends about the battle of Ourique is one that the Christians won due to the divine intervention of the Lord. Firm historical evidence about this battle, however, remains slight.