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Informationen zum Autor David Nicolle is Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Medieval Studies, Nottingham University. He is the author of numerous books on aspects of medieval military history, including many for Osprey. Gerry Embleton has been a leading illustrator and researcher of historical costume since the 1970s, and has illustrated and written Osprey titles on a wide range of subjects for more than 20 years. He is an internationally respected authority on 15th and 18th century costumes in particular. He lives in Switzerland, where since 1988 he has also become well known for designing and creating life-size historical figures for museums. Klappentext From humble beginnings, in the course of three centuries the Portuguese built the world's first truly global empire, stretching from modern Brazil to sub-Saharan Africa and from India to the East Indies (Indonesia). Portugal had established its present-day borders by 1300 and the following century saw extensive warfare that confirmed Portugal's independence and allowed it to aspire to maritime expansion, sponsored by monarchs such as Prince Henry the Navigator. During this nearly 300-year period, the Portuguese fought alongside other Iberian forces against the Moors of Andalusia; with English help successfully repelled a Castilian invasion (1385); fought the Moors in Morocco, and Africans, the Ottoman Turks, and the Spanish in colonial competition. The colourful and exotic Portuguese forces that prevailed in these battles on land and sea are the subject of this book.In the 15th and 16th centuries the Portuguese built a vast trading empire that stretched from Brazil to India and from Lisbon to Nagasaki. The men who spearheaded this extraordinary transformation are the subject of this engaging book. Zusammenfassung In the 15th and 16th centuries the Portuguese built a vast trading empire that stretched from Brazil to India and from Lisbon to Nagasaki. The men who spearheaded this extraordinary transformation are the subject of this engaging book. Inhaltsverzeichnis Portugal in the early 14th century - archaic early armies /Modernization under English influence - English alliance in Hundred Years' War - defeat of Spanish invasion /Reconquista of the Muslim south /Expansion in early 15th century: invasion of Morocco - voyages of discovery (Vasco da Gama, etc.) - trading/military expeditions around African coast - in Indian Ocean /Consolidation, mid-15th-16th centuries: merchant colonies - raising of local colonial forces - invasion and colonization of Brazil /Fighting off the competition /Resistance to Spanish pressure, 16th century - metropolitan forces - final loss of independence to Spain, 1580 /Bibliography /Index...
