Philip had in April 1569 appointed his…

Philip had in April 1569 appointed his half brother Don Juan (John of Austria), the illegitimate son of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, commander-in-chief with his late father’s majordomo, Don Luis de Quijada, as his chief adviser.

Don John has built his forces in Granada with care, learning about logistics and drill.

Don Luis de Requeséns, Grand Commander of Castile, and Álvaro de Bazán, Marquis of Santa Cruz, patrol the coast with their galleys, limiting aid and reinforcements from Barbary.

Don John unexpectedly takes the field in December with a large and well-supplied army.

First clearing rebels from near Granada, …