The Battle of Toro (March 1, 1476):…
1476 CE
The Battle of Toro (March 1, 1476): A Politically Decisive Turning Point
The Battle of Toro, fought on March 1, 1476, was a climactic engagement in the War of the Castilian Succession (1475–1479). Although both sides claimed victory, the battle’s political consequences decisively shifted the war in favor of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon.
The Siege of Zamora and Portuguese Withdrawal
- In February 1476, Afonso V of Portugal, reinforced by troops brought by his son, Prince John (future John II of Portugal), besieged Ferdinand of Aragon in Zamora.
- The harsh Castilian winter took a greater toll on the Portuguese army than on the besieged defenders.
- On March 1, realizing that his position was weakening, Afonso V lifted the siege and began withdrawing toward Toro.