In 1189, the Christians of Castile and Portugal took advantage of the internal turmoil happening in Al-Andalus and launched attacks into Muslim territory.

The Portuguese king, Sancho, convinced a Crusader fleet that arrived in Lisbon in July 1189 to assist him in his attack against Silves.

[1] In the summer of 1190, the Almohads made a truce with Castile and Leon, allowing them to retaliate against Portugal.

After 13 days of siege and bombardment, at the dawn of night, the Almohads were awake, watching for any chance to capture the city.

On the contrary, seeing the garrison was at rest, one of the Almohad guides came forward from the walls and told them of a gap that could allow them to enter.

[8] The Christian accounts do not provide many details regarding the siege, it mentions that the Almohads bombarded the walls non-stop until the garrison surrendered and were allowed to leave with their properties.