 In the spring of 1663, the Spanish had undertaken their most successful attack on Portugal, since the beginning of the war.Under command of John of Austria the Younger, son of Philip IV of Spain (and the conqueror of Catalonia and of the Kingdom of Naples and winner of the French in Italy), the greater part of the south of Portugal was overrun.The important city of Évora was taken on 22 May, opening perspectives for a march on Lisbon, to the west.