The Battle of Al Kasr al Kebir in August 1578 killed three kings. King Sebastian

1578 Event

Battle of Alcacer Quibir: Portugal's King Killed, Empire Shaken

The Battle of Al Kasr al Kebir in August 1578 killed three kings. King Sebastian of Portugal died leading an invasion of Morocco he'd been warned against by nearly every advisor he had. The Moroccan sultan Abd al-Malik died of illness during the battle. The pretender to the Moroccan throne also died. Sebastian had no heirs. His elderly great-uncle Cardinal Henry became king of Portugal at 66 and died two years later, childless. Philip II of Spain claimed the succession. Portugal and Spain were unified under one crown for sixty years. One bad battle.

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August 4, 1578

448 years ago

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Battle of Alcacer Quibir: Portugal's King Killed, Empire Shaken

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