Anfa was among the most prosperous cities in Morocco, and owed its wealth to both the export of foodstuffs such as wheat grown in the highly fertile surrounding regions, and the fact that it was a notorious pirate haven.

[3][4] It imported fine silk clothes, gold and silver currency from Granada, and featured a high number of merchants and noble residences.

[3] Wishing to distinguish himself through a feat of arms, Duke Ferdinand of Beja and of Viseu, heir of Prince Henry the Navigator, Duke of Beja and of Viseu and governor of both the Order of Santiago and Order of Christ, accepted to fulfill the desire of King Afonso V to destroy the city and neutralize the threat it posed.

[3][4] Duke Ferdinand was experienced in the African theater, and had already previously distinguished himself fighting at Alcácer Ceguer and Tangier.

Most houses, shops and mosques remain standing and wound ones eyes with their ruin, offering a most sad display.