History of the Peninsular War, Volume 2 (of 6)

In the early days of the Peninsular War, the modest city of Zaragoza finds itself thrust into the spotlight as French forces press forward. Under the determined leadership of General‑Palafox, a rag‑tag militia of a few hundred men and a meagre treasury scrambles to arm itself with whatever weapons they can muster—pikes, hunting rifles, and even salvaged artillery. The townspeople, spurred by a fierce sense of duty, pour into the city from across Spain, turning the streets into a makeshift army.

Zaragoza itself is an unfortified settlement, its brick walls thin and broken by adjoining houses, surrounded by open plains and the winding Ebro River. Though the terrain offers little natural advantage, the defenders improvise batteries on nearby heights and rely on the river’s bridges for strategic movement. The discovery of a hidden cache of firearms is taken as a hopeful omen, bolstering morale amid scarcity.

These early preparations set the stage for a remarkable defense that would echo far beyond the city's walls, illustrating how ordinary citizens can rally together when faced with overwhelming odds.