Sack of Lanzarote (1618)
1618 Algerian incursion
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The Sack of Lanzarote occurred in 1618, when 36 Algerian galleys sacked the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, taking 900 men, women and children with them to be sold.
| Sack of Lanzarote | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 Regency of Algiers |
 Spanish Empire | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
Tabac Arráez |
Jan Janszoon (POW) | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
|
36 galleys 3,000 or 5,000 men | Unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown |
Before naval battle: 900 captured[1] After naval battle: 700 captured[1] | ||||||
Sack
On May 1, 1618, 36 Algerian galleys arrived at Arrecife, Lanzarote, aiming to raid and plunder anything valuable. Led by Tabac Arraez, the pirate commander, a force of 3,000 or 5,000 men looted the island, leaving the inhabitants to seek refuge in caves. Eventually, they were besieged and captured by the Regency of Algiers, totaling 900 men, women, and children.[1][2][3][4] On that day, Jan Janszoon, a Dutch soldier, was also captured. He later converted to Islam and became known as Murat Reis the Younger.[5][6][7]
Aftermath
Upon learning of the event, King Philip III of Spain ordered the Spanish navy to intercept the pirates, successfully rescuing around 200 captives. The remaining 700 were sold in Tunis and Algiers.[1]