meanwhile, alfonso began preparations for invading granada. he opened communication with the banu ashqilula, a powerful family within the emirate at odds with the ruling nasrid dynasty. in early 1265 a major battle took place between alfonso and muhammad and ended in an important victory for castile. alfonso subsequently invaded granada in late spring 1265 and by summer was encamped on the plains of granada. his forces raided granada's territory, including alcalá de benzaide, from the emirate's capital.