Siege of Lentini

The siege of Lentini occurred in 846 or 847 when the Arab Aghlabids attacked and captured the city of Lentini from the Byzantines.

Siege of Lentini
Part of the Muslim conquest of Sicily
Date 846 or 847 Location Lentini Result Aghlabid victory
Belligerents
Byzantine Empire	Aghlabids
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Al-Fadl bin Jafar al-Hamadhani
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Few survived	Unknown

Siege

Following the defeat at the Battle of Butera, the Byzantines suffered heavy casualties. In 846 or 847, Al-Fadl ibn-Gafar the victor at Messina, attacked the important town of Lentini in the eastern part of the island, between Catania and Syracuse. The Byzantine strategos rushed to the aid of the besieged. It was agreed between him and the inhabitants of Leontini that, to signal his approach, a beacon would be lit on one of the mountains near the town. Al Fadl became aware of this and lit a fire on the mountain for three days to fool the garrison. Al Fadl then took the majority of his force to prepare an ambush while he left a few men under Lentini. On the fourth day, under the belief that strategos was very close to the city, the Byzantine garrison led a sortie. The Arabs, pretending to flee, lured them into the arranged ambush, while the city remained almost empty for defense. The Byzantines were caught and most of them were massacred except a few. The inhabitants of the city were forced to surrender in exchange for their lives and properties.

Sources

• Alexander A. Vasiliev, Byzantium and the Arabs. Volume I, The Amorium dynasty (820–867).[1]
• J. B. Bury (2008), History of the Eastern Empire from the Fall of Irene to the Accession of Basil, A. D. 802–867. [2]
• Michele Amari (1854), Storia dei Musulmani di Sicilia, Vol I.[3]