Editing 1279 (section)

==== Europe ====
* [[March 5]] &ndash; [[Battle of Aizkraukle]]: Lithuanian forces led by Grand Duke [[Traidenis]] defeat an army of [[Teutonic Order|Teutonic Knights]] of the [[Livonian Order]] at [[Aizkraukle]]. During the battle, the order suffers a great defeat, some 70 knights are killed, including Grand Master [[Ernst von Ratzeburg]] (or Rassburg). The [[Semigallians]], allies of the Livonian Order, revolt but later submit to Traidenis for protection.<ref>Urban, William (1994). ''The Baltic Crusade'', pp. 283–286. Chicago, Illinois: Lithuanian Research and Studies Center. {{ISBN|0-929700-10-4}}.</ref>
* [[July 20]] &ndash; [[Siege of Algeciras (1278–1279)|Siege of Algeciras]]: Castilian forces led by King [[Alfonso X of Castile|Alfonso X]] ("the Wise") abandon the siege (begun in [[1278]]), after their fleet (some 400 ships) is destroyed by the Marinids led by Sultan [[Abu Yaqub Yusuf an-Nasr]]. All prisoners are decapitated except the officers who are taken hostage. For the second time, the entire Castilian fleet is lost and Alfonso is forced to sign a new truce.<ref>Joseph F. O'Callaghan (2011). ''The Gibraltar Crusade: Castile and the Battle for the Strait'', pp. 77–78. {{ISBN|978-0-8122-2302-6}}.</ref>
* November &ndash; Alfonso X ("the Wise") grants the cities of [[Medina-Sidonia]] and [[Alcalá de los Gazules]] to the [[Order of Saint Mary of Spain]]. He also donates the town of [[Morón de la Frontera]] to the [[Order of Alcántara]].<ref>Joseph F. O'Callaghan (2011). ''The Gibraltar Crusade: Castile and the Battle for the Strait'', p. 78. {{ISBN|978-0-8122-2302-6}}.</ref>