Silves, weakened by frequent power changes and fights among rival parties, became a target for king Dom Sancho I of Portugal. With the help of English crusaders on their way to Palestine, his army laid siege to the city in 1189. The battle for Silves lasted one and a half months. Inside the walls, many lost their life when they ran out of food and the on top of that, the crusaders cut of their water supply. In spite of promises made to D.Sancho I, the crusaders proceeded to plunder the city, destroyed the beautiful buildings and killed many inhabitants. The Portuguese controlled the town for less than two years. In 1191, the Moors reconquered the city.