El Cid and the Reconquista 1050–1492

The very name El Cid sums up much of the special character of medieval Spanish warfare. It comes from the Arabic al sayyid, master or chieftain, and seems to have been given to Rodrigo de Vivar by his Muslim foes. But was it given in recognition of El Cid's victories against Islam in the 'Reconquista' - or because this Castilian nobleman was as content to serve beside the Muslims as to fight them? The story of the Christian conquest of the Iberian peninsula which gave rise to the legend of El Cid, is here examined by David Nicolle, who outlines the history, tactics, arms and armour of the period.

List of contents

Introduction · Chronology · Christian Armies 1050-1150 · Taifa and Almoravid Armies · Christian Armies 1150-1300 · Almohades and Andalusians 1120-1270 · 14th Century Christian Armies · The Kingdom of Granada · Siege, Fortification and Firearms · The Plates

About the author

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.Angus McBride was one of the world's most respected historical illustrators, and contributed to over 100 Osprey titles over several decades.

Product details

• Authors: David Nicolle
• Assisted by: Angus McBride (Illustration), McBride Angus (Illustration)
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 28.07.1988
• EAN: 9780850458404
• ISBN: 978-0-85045-840-4
• No. of pages: 48
• Dimensions: 184 mm x 248 mm x 5 mm
• Weight: 202 g
• Illustrations: 50 b/w; 8 col
• Series: Men-at-Arms; Men-At-Arms (Osprey)
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political administration; Portugal, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Security (National & International), Spain, HISTORY / Military / Strategy, Defence strategy, planning & research, Military and defence strategy