Battle of Santiago (1660)

The Battle of Santiago (1660), also known as the Battle of Sabana Real, was a significant military engagement fought on September 25, 1660, near the city of Santiago de los Caballeros in what is now the Dominican Republic. It was a pivotal event in the Restoration War (1663-1665) which saw the Spanish attempting to regain control of the colony of Santo Domingo, which had declared its independence in 1654 after being ceded to France by Spain under the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697.

The battle pitted Dominican rebels, led by Brigadier General Juan de Ampiés, against a larger and better-equipped Spanish force commanded by Governor General Manuel de Robles Lorezana. Despite being outnumbered and possessing fewer resources, the Dominicans achieved a decisive victory, ambushing the Spanish army in the Sabana Real (Royal Savanna). The Spanish suffered heavy casualties, and the defeat significantly hampered their efforts to re-establish their control over the island.

The victory at the Battle of Santiago boosted the morale of the Dominican rebels and helped to secure their independence. It is considered a crucial turning point in the Restoration War, contributing to the eventual expulsion of the Spanish and the establishment of the Second Republic of Santo Domingo. The battle is celebrated annually in the Dominican Republic, and its significance is deeply ingrained in Dominican national identity.