Key Facts
- Duration
- June–August 1333 (approx. 2 months)
- Outcome
- Truce; Moors retained Gibraltar
- Notable aftermath
- Muhammed IV assassinated day after signing truce
- Preceded by
- Third Siege of Gibraltar, also 1333
Strategic Narrative Overview
The siege opened badly for the Castilians when their initial landing on Gibraltar's western side ended in disaster. The conflict settled into a prolonged stalemate: neither side could dislodge the other, and both suffered severe supply shortages. The Gibraltar garrison was cut off from resupply, while the Castilian force, deep in hostile territory, depended on an unreliable sea route for provisions, preventing any decisive military action over roughly two months.
01 / The Origins
The Fourth Siege of Gibraltar arose directly from the Third Siege earlier in 1333, part of the prolonged Christian-Moorish struggle for control of the strategically vital Rock. King Alfonso XI of Castile led a Christian army to reclaim Gibraltar, which had fallen to Moorish forces, bringing him into confrontation with Muhammed IV of Granada and Abd al-Malik Abd al-Wahid of Fes, who commanded a large combined Moorish army defending the position.
03 / The Outcome
Exhausted and unable to achieve a military decision, both sides agreed to a truce that permitted an honourable withdrawal. The Moors retained Gibraltar, while the Castilians withdrew without securing the fortress. The truce proved fatal for the Moorish victor: Muhammed IV was assassinated by disgruntled nobles the very day after he signed the agreement, making the Moorish political victory a short-lived personal triumph.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Alfonso XI of Castile.
Side B
2 belligerents
Muhammed IV of Granada, Abd al-Malik Abd al-Wahid of Fes.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.