Sack of Lanzarote

The Sack of Lanzarote occurred in 1618, when 36 Algerian Galleys, sacked the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, taking 900 men, women and children with them to be sold.

Sack
On May 1, 1618, 36 Algerian Galleys arrived at Bey of Arrefice, Lanzarote, aiming to raid and plunder anything valuable. Led by Tabac Arraez, the pirate commander, they unleashed a force of 3,000 or 5,000 men who looted the island, leaving the inhabitants to seek refuge in caves. Eventually, they were besieged and captured by the Regency of Algiers, totaling 900 men, women, and children. On that day, Jan Janszoon, a Dutch soldier, was also captured. He later converted to Islam and became known as Murat Reis the Younger.

Aftermath
Upon learning of the event, King Philip III of Spain ordered the Spanish navy to intercept the pirates, successfully rescuing around 200 captives. the remaining 700 were sold in Tunis and Algiers.