Lord Adherbal
10-09-2005, 10:01
This time our preview will focus on one of the crusades. Not the most famous crusades against the saracens in the Holy Land, but the crusades to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula: The Reconquista.
THE RECONQUISTA
Featuring Castile, Aragon and the Moors
https://img277.imageshack.us/img277/3982/shields0ip.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
The Reconquista was the military reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula by Christian rulers, conducted from 718 to 1492, following the Moorish conquest of the Iberian Visigothic kingdom.
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4201/iberia4pw.th.jpg (https://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iberia4pw.jpg)
Daily life in Spain was reflected in its warfare. Small, lightly equipped armies reflect how the society (constantly at war) had to be on alert and be capable of moving long distance in short times, to return home once sacking the objective. The main battles were either between clans, expelling intruder armies or sacking expeditions.
Medieval Spanish armies were mainly formed by two groups of soldiers, cavalry - nobles and commoner knights - and infantry - mostly peasants and militias. Infantry only went to war if needed, which was not common. Cavalry fought in a typical Spanish way. Knights approached the enemy and then threw javelins, just before turning around and running back, so as to start all over again. Once the enemy formation was weakened enough, the knights charged with their lances.
The infantry were the peasants who went to battle due to their feudal relationship, and served their lord. Poorly equipped, they were mainly used as auxiliary troops. Their function in battle was to contain the enemy troops until the cavalry arrived and to block the enemy infantry from charging the knights.
Finally, mercenaries were an important factor, as many kings did not have enough soldiers and could afford them. Norsemen, Flemish spearmen, Frank knights, Moorish mounted archers and Berber light cavalry were the main mercenaries available, and were who was more often hired.
This way of warfare remained in the Iberian Peninsula until the late 11th century, when couched lance tactics entered from France and substituted the traditional style of horse javelin-shot. Then, in the 12th and 13th centuries, horse barding, suits of armours, double-handed swords and crossbows definitely left the early Spanish tactics obsolete.
The following units are only a part of the selection available to the three factions inhabiting the Iberian peninsula:
The KINGDOM OF CASTILE
Algaraves
These men are knights, who stripped their heavy armour in return for much more speed and flexibility. They perform raids in Moorish territory, retreating as fast as they came. Being knights these light cavalry units have a good morale and fighting skill, but they can not stand up against heavy cavalry or infantry, and should be used for hit & run tactics only.
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8350/algaraves9gn.th.jpg (https://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=algaraves9gn.jpg)
Jinetes
Once Moorish soldiery, Jinetes are lightly armoured cavalry, both fast and manoeuvrable. They often manage to surprise enemies, as instead of using lances they hurl javelins before closing to fight hand-to-hand with swords. This double ability makes them handy warriors and a fine addition to any Spanish army.
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4848/jinetes12vy.th.jpg (https://img232.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jinetes12vy.jpg)
Fonsado
The Fonsado is form of offensive militia. Their equipment was better than you would expect from militias, as many local lords hired out armour to these guys in return for part of the plunder gained. They are equiped with a wide variety of weapons.
https://img314.imageshack.us/img314/2153/fonsado9qn.th.jpg (https://img314.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fonsado9qn.jpg)
Early Knights of Santiago
Originally guards for Christian pilgrims in Spain, the Knights of Santiago are a fighting order organised along semi-monastic lines. They are reliable, excellent heavy cavalry, able to break many enemies when they charge, and are without the impetuous folly often shown by secular western knights.
https://img326.imageshack.us/img326/5112/santiago5zv.th.jpg (https://img326.imageshack.us/my.php?image=santiago5zv.jpg)
The KINGDOM OF ARAGON
Frankish Auxiliaries
Wars always attract mercenaries, especially if it is fought in the name of God! These Frankish mercenaries fight as heavy spearmen in the tradition dense formations of northern europe. They make up for the lack of heavy infantry recruited in the Christian kingdoms of Spain.
https://img295.imageshack.us/img295/7306/latinaux9nk.th.jpg (https://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=latinaux9nk.jpg)
Hueste
Another type of militia, used for offensive operations. Similar to the Fonsado, but often used double handed axes. They are still Militia, with low morale, but superior to most other basic militias and peasants.
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9030/hueste6fa.th.jpg (https://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hueste6fa.jpg)
Appelidos
This Appelidos are defensive militias used by all the Christian Iberian powers. The use of Militias was very strong in Iberia, where the only way they were not totally pushed out of iberia initially was developing strong military cultures. Most of these troops would have had expereince before, so would be better than the average feudal levy.
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6679/apelidos7bc.th.jpg (https://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=apelidos7bc.jpg)
Militia Cavalry
The militia cavalry is made up free farmers, riding horses that are not much good for war. They are good at chasing routers or raids against disorganised peasants, but not much else. They are totaly incapable of charging or fighting steady infantry cavalry units.
https://img395.imageshack.us/img395/9624/militiacav4ts.th.jpg (https://img395.imageshack.us/my.php?image=militiacav4ts.jpg)
The MOORS
Andalusian Infantry
These Andalusian medium infantrymen make up the bulk of the Islamic armies in Spain. They are hardened and experienced by years of raids and skirmishes with christian warbands. Carrying spears and shields they make up a reliable infantry formation, capable of dealing with enemy light to medium infantry and cavalry.
https://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2378/andainf8bs.th.jpg (https://img224.imageshack.us/my.php?image=andainf8bs.jpg)
Andalusian Heavy Cavalry
These horsemen use heavier armour then most of their muslim brothers in order to stand up against the christian knights of spain. However they do not match the fighting skill of the latter, nor their excellent morale. Therefor these heavy cavalry units should rather be used as medium cavalry, uncapable of dealing with the more powerfull western knights.
https://img239.imageshack.us/img239/8343/andacav6ek.th.jpg (https://img239.imageshack.us/my.php?image=andacav6ek.jpg)
Jinetes
Jinetes are lightly armoured cavalry, riding fast and manoeuvrable horses. They often manage to surprise enemies, as instead of using lances they hurl javelins before closing to fight hand-to-hand with swords. They proved so effective in raids against the christian kingdoms that they were copied by the latter.
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5913/jinetes23ay.th.jpg (https://img232.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jinetes23ay.jpg)
Black Guard
The Elite Infantry of the Almoravid was the "Black Guard". Their successors - the Almohad - used almost the same elite units, albeit under a different name. They are armed with heavy javelins and towershields, chainmail, turban helmets and swords. Combined with good training they make up one of the most lethal infantry units on the iberian peninsula. They cannot stand up to western heavy cavalry, but are superior to any infantry unit the christian kingdoms can field.
https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5758/blackguard9mu.th.jpg (https://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=blackguard9mu.jpg)
Urban Militia
As cities and trade grow, so does the need for local defence. Some towns and cities can provide a locally raised force, recruited from among apprentices and journeymen. While they only have limited training, their polearms give them an advantage against armoured troops, and they are more disciplined than peasantry.
https://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9640/urbanmilitia1ce.th.jpg (https://img193.imageshack.us/my.php?image=urbanmilitia1ce.jpg)
Murabitin Infantry
The tough Murabitin are recruited from the desolate Almohad provinces along the North African coast. Armed with javelins, they are good for harassing enemy formations and can cause a surprising number of casualties. Their other arms are only sufficient for self-defence, so they are best used as skirmishers.
https://img366.imageshack.us/img366/8328/murabitin9id.th.jpg (https://img366.imageshack.us/my.php?image=murabitin9id.jpg)
Berber Camel Warriors
The Berbers are hardy desert warriors, and at their best when used as light cavalry archers to disrupt enemies. They are capable in hand-to-hand combat against similar light cavalry, and their camels are an advantage as many horses are unwilling to go too close because of the smell!
https://img310.imageshack.us/img310/6112/berbercamels5in.th.jpg (https://img310.imageshack.us/my.php?image=berbercamels5in.jpg)
SIGNATURE BANNERS
https://img105.imageshack.us/img105/6537/castile3jq.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
https://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3295/aragon2tr.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
https://img352.imageshack.us/img352/2134/moors0ox.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
OLDER PREVIEWS
A list with links to the previous previews, in case you missed any:
Historical Battles (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=54762)
Campaignmap & Rebels (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=54469)
Castles & Sieges (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=54170)
Northern Europe (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=53933)
The Byzantine Empire (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=53563)
THE RECONQUISTA
Featuring Castile, Aragon and the Moors
https://img277.imageshack.us/img277/3982/shields0ip.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
The Reconquista was the military reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula by Christian rulers, conducted from 718 to 1492, following the Moorish conquest of the Iberian Visigothic kingdom.
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4201/iberia4pw.th.jpg (https://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iberia4pw.jpg)
Daily life in Spain was reflected in its warfare. Small, lightly equipped armies reflect how the society (constantly at war) had to be on alert and be capable of moving long distance in short times, to return home once sacking the objective. The main battles were either between clans, expelling intruder armies or sacking expeditions.
Medieval Spanish armies were mainly formed by two groups of soldiers, cavalry - nobles and commoner knights - and infantry - mostly peasants and militias. Infantry only went to war if needed, which was not common. Cavalry fought in a typical Spanish way. Knights approached the enemy and then threw javelins, just before turning around and running back, so as to start all over again. Once the enemy formation was weakened enough, the knights charged with their lances.
The infantry were the peasants who went to battle due to their feudal relationship, and served their lord. Poorly equipped, they were mainly used as auxiliary troops. Their function in battle was to contain the enemy troops until the cavalry arrived and to block the enemy infantry from charging the knights.
Finally, mercenaries were an important factor, as many kings did not have enough soldiers and could afford them. Norsemen, Flemish spearmen, Frank knights, Moorish mounted archers and Berber light cavalry were the main mercenaries available, and were who was more often hired.
This way of warfare remained in the Iberian Peninsula until the late 11th century, when couched lance tactics entered from France and substituted the traditional style of horse javelin-shot. Then, in the 12th and 13th centuries, horse barding, suits of armours, double-handed swords and crossbows definitely left the early Spanish tactics obsolete.
The following units are only a part of the selection available to the three factions inhabiting the Iberian peninsula:
The KINGDOM OF CASTILE
Algaraves
These men are knights, who stripped their heavy armour in return for much more speed and flexibility. They perform raids in Moorish territory, retreating as fast as they came. Being knights these light cavalry units have a good morale and fighting skill, but they can not stand up against heavy cavalry or infantry, and should be used for hit & run tactics only.
https://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8350/algaraves9gn.th.jpg (https://img98.imageshack.us/my.php?image=algaraves9gn.jpg)
Jinetes
Once Moorish soldiery, Jinetes are lightly armoured cavalry, both fast and manoeuvrable. They often manage to surprise enemies, as instead of using lances they hurl javelins before closing to fight hand-to-hand with swords. This double ability makes them handy warriors and a fine addition to any Spanish army.
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4848/jinetes12vy.th.jpg (https://img232.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jinetes12vy.jpg)
Fonsado
The Fonsado is form of offensive militia. Their equipment was better than you would expect from militias, as many local lords hired out armour to these guys in return for part of the plunder gained. They are equiped with a wide variety of weapons.
https://img314.imageshack.us/img314/2153/fonsado9qn.th.jpg (https://img314.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fonsado9qn.jpg)
Early Knights of Santiago
Originally guards for Christian pilgrims in Spain, the Knights of Santiago are a fighting order organised along semi-monastic lines. They are reliable, excellent heavy cavalry, able to break many enemies when they charge, and are without the impetuous folly often shown by secular western knights.
https://img326.imageshack.us/img326/5112/santiago5zv.th.jpg (https://img326.imageshack.us/my.php?image=santiago5zv.jpg)
The KINGDOM OF ARAGON
Frankish Auxiliaries
Wars always attract mercenaries, especially if it is fought in the name of God! These Frankish mercenaries fight as heavy spearmen in the tradition dense formations of northern europe. They make up for the lack of heavy infantry recruited in the Christian kingdoms of Spain.
https://img295.imageshack.us/img295/7306/latinaux9nk.th.jpg (https://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=latinaux9nk.jpg)
Hueste
Another type of militia, used for offensive operations. Similar to the Fonsado, but often used double handed axes. They are still Militia, with low morale, but superior to most other basic militias and peasants.
https://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9030/hueste6fa.th.jpg (https://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hueste6fa.jpg)
Appelidos
This Appelidos are defensive militias used by all the Christian Iberian powers. The use of Militias was very strong in Iberia, where the only way they were not totally pushed out of iberia initially was developing strong military cultures. Most of these troops would have had expereince before, so would be better than the average feudal levy.
https://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6679/apelidos7bc.th.jpg (https://img213.imageshack.us/my.php?image=apelidos7bc.jpg)
Militia Cavalry
The militia cavalry is made up free farmers, riding horses that are not much good for war. They are good at chasing routers or raids against disorganised peasants, but not much else. They are totaly incapable of charging or fighting steady infantry cavalry units.
https://img395.imageshack.us/img395/9624/militiacav4ts.th.jpg (https://img395.imageshack.us/my.php?image=militiacav4ts.jpg)
The MOORS
Andalusian Infantry
These Andalusian medium infantrymen make up the bulk of the Islamic armies in Spain. They are hardened and experienced by years of raids and skirmishes with christian warbands. Carrying spears and shields they make up a reliable infantry formation, capable of dealing with enemy light to medium infantry and cavalry.
https://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2378/andainf8bs.th.jpg (https://img224.imageshack.us/my.php?image=andainf8bs.jpg)
Andalusian Heavy Cavalry
These horsemen use heavier armour then most of their muslim brothers in order to stand up against the christian knights of spain. However they do not match the fighting skill of the latter, nor their excellent morale. Therefor these heavy cavalry units should rather be used as medium cavalry, uncapable of dealing with the more powerfull western knights.
https://img239.imageshack.us/img239/8343/andacav6ek.th.jpg (https://img239.imageshack.us/my.php?image=andacav6ek.jpg)
Jinetes
Jinetes are lightly armoured cavalry, riding fast and manoeuvrable horses. They often manage to surprise enemies, as instead of using lances they hurl javelins before closing to fight hand-to-hand with swords. They proved so effective in raids against the christian kingdoms that they were copied by the latter.
https://img232.imageshack.us/img232/5913/jinetes23ay.th.jpg (https://img232.imageshack.us/my.php?image=jinetes23ay.jpg)
Black Guard
The Elite Infantry of the Almoravid was the "Black Guard". Their successors - the Almohad - used almost the same elite units, albeit under a different name. They are armed with heavy javelins and towershields, chainmail, turban helmets and swords. Combined with good training they make up one of the most lethal infantry units on the iberian peninsula. They cannot stand up to western heavy cavalry, but are superior to any infantry unit the christian kingdoms can field.
https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5758/blackguard9mu.th.jpg (https://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=blackguard9mu.jpg)
Urban Militia
As cities and trade grow, so does the need for local defence. Some towns and cities can provide a locally raised force, recruited from among apprentices and journeymen. While they only have limited training, their polearms give them an advantage against armoured troops, and they are more disciplined than peasantry.
https://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9640/urbanmilitia1ce.th.jpg (https://img193.imageshack.us/my.php?image=urbanmilitia1ce.jpg)
Murabitin Infantry
The tough Murabitin are recruited from the desolate Almohad provinces along the North African coast. Armed with javelins, they are good for harassing enemy formations and can cause a surprising number of casualties. Their other arms are only sufficient for self-defence, so they are best used as skirmishers.
https://img366.imageshack.us/img366/8328/murabitin9id.th.jpg (https://img366.imageshack.us/my.php?image=murabitin9id.jpg)
Berber Camel Warriors
The Berbers are hardy desert warriors, and at their best when used as light cavalry archers to disrupt enemies. They are capable in hand-to-hand combat against similar light cavalry, and their camels are an advantage as many horses are unwilling to go too close because of the smell!
https://img310.imageshack.us/img310/6112/berbercamels5in.th.jpg (https://img310.imageshack.us/my.php?image=berbercamels5in.jpg)
SIGNATURE BANNERS
https://img105.imageshack.us/img105/6537/castile3jq.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
https://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3295/aragon2tr.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
https://img352.imageshack.us/img352/2134/moors0ox.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
OLDER PREVIEWS
A list with links to the previous previews, in case you missed any:
Historical Battles (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=54762)
Campaignmap & Rebels (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=54469)
Castles & Sieges (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=54170)
Northern Europe (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=53933)
The Byzantine Empire (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=53563)