Second siege of Zaragoza

The second siege of Zaragoza was the French capture of the Spanish city of Zaragoza (also known as Saragossa) during the Peninsular War. It was particularly noted for its brutality. The city was heavily outnumbered against the French. However, the desperate resistance put up by the Army of Reserve and its civilian allies had been heroic: a great part of the city lay in ruins, the garrison had suffered 24,000 deaths being augmented by 30,000 civilians dead.

This article is about the siege that took place in 1809. For the siege a year earlier, see First siege of Zaragoza.
Second siege of Zaragoza
Part of the Peninsular War

Assaut du monastère de Santa Engracia by Louis-François, Baron Lejeune. Depicts the fighting of February 8, 1809. Oil on canvas.
Date19 December 1808 – 20 February 1809
Location
Zaragoza, Spain
41.6500°N 0.8833°W / 41.6500; -0.8833
Result French victory
Belligerents

Switzerland

  Spain
Commanders and leaders
 José de Palafox
Strength
50,000 regulars 30,000 regulars and militia
1,400 cavalry
160 guns
20,000 Spanish civilians
Casualties and losses
6,000 dead or wounded in combat
6,000 died of disease		 30,000 military
34,000 civilians dead
Peninsular war: Napoleon's invasion
🌍
  current battle
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