The Battle of the Lines of Elvas (January 17, 1659): A Decisive Portuguese Victory

The Battle of the Lines of Elvas, fought on January 17, 1659, was a major Portuguese victory in the Portuguese Restoration War (1640–1668). The battle ended Spain’s attempt to capture the strategic fortress city of Elvas, strengthening Portugal’s independence and demonstrating its ability to resist Spanish domination.

Spanish Siege of Elvas (December 1658 – January 1659)

• In December 1658, a Spanish army of 18,000 men, commanded by Don Luis de Haro, campaigned along the Portuguese frontier, crossing the River Caia to besiege Elvas, a key Portuguese stronghold south of the Tagus.
• The Spanish bombarded the city, causing panic and heavy casualties among civilians.
• Complicating the defense, a plague outbreak (possibly the Black Death) was killing 300 people per day.

Portuguese Response and Army Mobilization

With Elvas in dire straits, Queen-Regent Luisa de Guzmán took decisive action:

• She appointed António Luís de Meneses, Count of Cantanhede, as supreme commander of Portuguese forces in Alentejo.
• She transferred Sancho Manoel de Vilhena, who became Field-Master, further strengthening the army.
• Cantanhede assembled a relief army in Estremoz, despite severe logistical challenges:
  • Recruits were gathered from Viseu and Madeira.
  • Garrison forces from Borba, Juromenha, Campo Maior, Vila Viçosa, Monforte, and Arronches joined the main army.

Forces in the Battle

The Battle (January 17, 1659)

• The Portuguese plan was to attack the Spanish lines near Murtais, using the hill of Assomada as a vantage point.
• At 8:00 AM, Cantanhede’s forces launched a frontal assault on Spanish positions.
• The battle was initially evenly matched, with the Spanish putting up a strong defense.
• Over time, Portuguese forces broke through, forcing the Spanish army to retreat in disarray.

Aftermath: A Crushing Defeat for Spain

• The Spanish suffered huge casualties:
  • Only 5,000 infantry and 300 cavalry made it back to Badajoz.
  • The rest of the 18,000-strong Spanish force was either killed, captured, or scattered.
• The defeat ended Spain’s last major invasion attempt before the final phase of the Portuguese Restoration War.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment in Portugal’s Fight for Independence

The Battle of the Lines of Elvas was one of Portugal’s greatest victories against Spain during the Restoration War. It secured the Portuguese frontier, proving that Spain could not subjugate Portugal militarily. The battle also boosted national morale, reinforcing Portugal’s determination to maintain its independence, which Spain would eventually recognize in 1668.