as james' army advanced to murcia, muslim-held towns in the region—including villena, elda, petrer, orihuela—surrendered to his forces. granada sent a column numbering 2,800 men to relieve murcia, but it was defeated by aragonese troops. on 2 january 1266, james laid siege to the city. after skirmishes and negotiations, murcia surrendered on 31 january. james entered the city on 3 february 1266, and its mosque was reconsecrated as a church (later murcia cathedral), where james' priests held mass. with murcia secured, james returned to his realm in march and no longer participated in the war.