Talavera de la Reina Castilla-La Mancha Spain

The Muslims, who had conquered Talavera in 712, had built new walls and a castle here.

They had also brought the use of fountains, water mills and new products brought from Africa and Asia.

The fertile soil produces quality vegetables, fruits and grass for animal feed.

The markets had gained new strength, and the population, a mixture of Christians, Muslims and Jews, has lived in harmony for some centuries.

Medina Al Talavayra has taken part in different wars between the kingdoms of Spain, becoming allied with Córdoba and Badajoz.

Talavera is the capital of an ephemeral kingdom or taifa (principality).

Conquered in 1083 by Alfonso VI, the city will become an important trade center of medieval Spain.

With Portugal secured, Wellesley advances into Spain toward Madrid to unite with Cuesta's forces.

Victor's I Corps retreats before them from Talavera.

Cuesta's pursuing forces fall back after Victor's reinforced army, now commanded by Marshal Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, drives upon them.

Two British divisions advance to help the Spanish.

The French advance in three columns on July 27 and are repulsed several times at the Battle of Talavera, but at a heavy cost to the Anglo-Allied force, which loses seventy-five hundred men for French losses of seventy-four hundred.