Fought 1249, between the French, under Louis IX, and the Moslems. The town of Mensourah was seized by the Comte d’Artois, but being surrounded, he and the knights with him were killed. The king meanwhile had seized the Saracen camp, but was unable to hold his ground, and was driven back to Damietta. In the course of his retreat, however, he was surrounded and taken prisoner by the Saracens, with his whole army. Mentana (Garibaldian Rising). Fought November 3, 1867, between 10,000 Garibaldians, under Garibaldi, and the French and Papal troops, 5,000 strong, under General Kanzler. Garibaldi was totally defeated, a result largely due to the brilliant work of 1,500 Papal Zouaves, who drove them out of position after position. The Garibaldians lost 1,100 killed and wounded, and 1,000 prisoners. The allies’ losses were only 182 killed and wounded, of which the Papal troops lost 144. Merida (Moorish Empire in Spain). This place was besieged in 712 by 18,000 Moors, under Musa. After a defeat in the open plain before the city, the Spaniards made a long and obstinate defence, which cost the besiegers many lives, but in the end they were forced by famine to surrender. Merseburg. Fought 934 between the Germans, under Henry the Fowler, and the Hungarian invaders. The Hungarians were completely defeated, with heavy loss, and withdrew from Germany, which they did not again invade for twenty years. Merta (Mogul Invasion of the Deccan). This strong fortress, belonging to the Rajput Rajah of Malwar, was besieged, 1561, by Sharf-ud-Din Hussein, one of the generals of Akbar, the Great Mogul. The place held out gallantly for several months, but was then forced by famine to capitulate. One of the Malwar chiefs, however, refused all terms, and cut his way out at the head of 500 men, of whom 250 fell in the enterprise. Merton (Danish Invasion). Fought 871, between the West Saxons, under Alfred, and the Danish invaders. After a severe engagement the Danes were victorious. Messina. Fought October 2, 1284, between the Sicilian and Catalan fleet, under the Grand Admiral, Roger de Lauria, and the French fleet, under Charles of Anjou. The Sicilians, who largely outnumbered the French, totally defeated them, burning or destroying practically the whole of their fleet. Charles of Anjou was captured, and henceforth made no further attempt to re-establish his authority in Sicily. Messina. _See_ Cape Passaro. Metaurus (Second Punic War).