Battle of Évora

Loison marched toward Lisbon from the Portuguese interior to support occupation forces. At Évora he met resistance from local militias and Spanish volunteers. After a short battle, the French swept enemy positions and took the city, which was then sacked by the troops.

The Portuguese revolt against French occupation spread after the Spanish uprising. Loison was sent to restore control of southern Portugal. Évora became a symbol of local resistance but was poorly defended.

Loison deployed his infantry in line for a frontal attack, supported by artillery. Cavalry flanked enemy positions. Portuguese forces, poorly armed and disorganized, fell back toward the city where they were overwhelmed.

Loison's victory intimidated other Portuguese towns, but the brutal treatment of Évora fueled hatred of French occupation. It strengthened insurgent motivations, who became more radical. This violence preceded the British landing a few days later.