The First Siege of Zaragoza took place during the Peninsular War from 1808 to 1809. It involved the forces of the French Empire, led by General Jean-Antoine Sérurier, besieging the city of Zaragoza in Spain. The Spanish defenders, under the command of José de Palafox, mounted a fierce resistance, showcasing their determination to protect their territory from foreign occupation. The siege lasted for several months, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Despite the French forces' superior numbers and artillery, the defenders' tenacity and strategic use of the city's fortifications delayed the French victory. Ultimately, Zaragoza fell in February 1809, but the siege became a symbol of Spanish resistance.