Afonso V of Portugal vs Hongwu Emperor

Afonso V led a Portuguese expedition that captured the Moroccan city of Alc

Afonso V's forces captured the strategic port city of Tangier from the Marinid Sultanate. The conquest solidified Portuguese dominance in the region and opened further trade routes, though it required ongoing military commitment to hold the territory.

Afonso V personally led a large Portuguese fleet and army that captured the Moroccan city of Arzila (Asilah) from the Wattasid Sultanate. The victory was followed by the surrender of Tangier, which had been lost earlier, and marked the peak of Portuguese territorial expansion in Morocco.

Afonso V intervened in the Castilian succession dispute, marrying Joanna la Beltraneja and claiming the throne of Castile. He invaded Castile but was defeated at the Battle of Toro in 1476, forcing him to abandon his claim and return to Portugal.

Afonso V signed the Treaty of Alc

Ming forces under Xu Da captured the Yuan capital of Dadu (modern Beijing). The last Yuan emperor fled to the steppes. This conquest ended Mongol rule in China proper and solidified Ming control over the northern heartland.

Hongwu implemented land surveys and redistributed land from large estates to peasant farmers. He reduced taxes, promoted irrigation projects, and encouraged cultivation of wasteland. These policies revived agriculture after decades of war and famine.

Zhu Yuanzhang proclaimed himself the Hongwu Emperor in Nanjing, founding the Ming dynasty. He led rebel forces to expel the Mongol Yuan dynasty from China, restoring Han Chinese rule after nearly a century of foreign domination.

Hongwu accused Chancellor Hu Weiyong of treason and had him executed. This triggered a massive purge that killed tens of thousands of officials and their families. The emperor then abolished the position of chancellor, centralizing all power in his own hands.

Hongwu created the Jinyiwei, a secret police force under his direct control. They spied on officials, investigated corruption, and suppressed dissent. This institution became a tool of political repression, executing thousands during purges.