Sack of Martos (1325)

In 1325, the Granadan Sultan, ismail, launched his campaign against the city of Martos. During this time, the Kingdom of Castile was in conflict with its nobles. Seeing this, the Sultan launched an attack against Castile.^[1] His target was Martos, a bastion for the Order of Calatrava.^[2] The Sultan began the siege on 22 June; he ravaged the outskirts.^[3] During the siege, Ismail made use of early cannons. These new engines launched orbs of fire against the walls and towers. The walls weren't able to resist such an attack. In July 6, the Granadans assaulted the city after a bloody battle. The defenders were massacred, and its inhabitants were enslaved.^[1][3] The sack of the city proceeded. The 14th-century historian, Ibn al-Khatib, describes the sack:^[4]

The hands of the soldiers loosened against its inhabitants, whether male or female, old or young: the slaughter was cruel and the event detestable. The next morning piles of corpses arose, to whose peaks climbed muezzins [to call to prayer].

Shortly after his victory, Ismail began returning to Granada; however, he has a quarrel with his cousin, Muhammad bin Ismail. He conspired and assassinated him. The master of order was accused of failing to provide proper defenses to Martos.^[2]