Battle of Lucanzo (1590)

The Battle of Lucanzo (1590) was a military conflict between the Kingdom of Portugal and the Kingdom of Ndongo and the Kingdom of Matamba.

Battle of Lucanzo (1590)
Part of Colonization of Angola
Date December 28, 1590 Location Lucala River and Lucanzo, Angola Result Ngola-Matamba victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Portugal	Kingdom of Ndongo Kingdom of Matamba
Commanders and leaders
Luís Serrão Francisco Sequeira André Ferreira Pereira Manipedro	Ngola King of Matamba Caçulo
Strength
150 Portuguese soldiers Large number of African soldiers	“Large army”

Background

Luís Serrão, upon taking office, quickly set out to implement his predecessor's plan to attack the capital of the Ngola Kingdom. He aimed to achieve a notable victory that would make him as famous as Paulo Dias de Novais, so he chose to attack in December 28, 1590, to parallel Novais's celebrated victory at the Battle of Talandongo on February 2, 1583.

Battle

Governor Luís Serrão crossed the Lucala River with a small army divided into three groups, commanded by himself, Captain André Pereira Ferreira, and Sargento-mor Francisco Sequeira. He remained at Lucala while sending Francisco Sequeira with about 150 white soldiers and a large contingent of African soldiers led by Manipedro. They were unexpectedly confronted and defeated in Lucanzo by a large army of the King of Angola, allied with the King of Matamba and a prominent leader named Caçulo.

Aftermath

Upon defeat, Luís Serrão retreated with the remaining troops to Aquibolo, approximately 55 leagues from the battlefield, and then to Bamba Antungo. close to Massangano. He sent a messenger to request assistance from Luanda, although it proved challenging to secure help, as the neighboring chiefs who had previously allied with the Portuguese had now revolted.