Portugal- an Empire Under the Sun

Taking Palermo

Of Sicily

Sicily had been a South-Italian powerhouse for quite some time already. They controlled the island of Sicily and most of the South Italian lands, excluding the city of Naples that is controlled by the Papal States. As a matter of fact, Portuguese were already allied to Sicily, but the buggers grew too fast to be vassalized and Portugal lost interest. But now, Sebastião I turned his eyes south again. Conquest of Malta had allowed Portugal to fabricate a claim on Palermo and since Portugal had troops in Italy, why not used them?

The War Begins

In August 1619, King Sebastião I declared war on Sicily. 25 000 Portuguese soldiers were stationed in Napoli and ready to cross the border. The first shots in this war were still made by Portuguese navy, as they attacked trade ships of Milan, only ally of Sicily. 20 heavy ships against 9 light ones? Milanese fleet was sent to the bottom of the ocean.


Sinking of the Milanese fleet

Meanwhile, Portuguese troops made a forced march from Napoli to Messina. Main reason- the Sicilian troops were underpaid during peace and were now only slowly recovering. So, when Portuguese troops attacked the unprepared Sicilians in the beginning of September, the did not even think of giving any resistance. Instead, they run and the Sicilian army of 8000 men was destroyed in the first battle. It was the first battle that King Sebastião I himself lead. More then able military commander, he started his general career about the time when his son would become of age.


Portuguese defeating the Sicilians

After that, it was easy. The Portuguese soldiers did split up a bit and soon, half of Sicily was covered by Portuguese troops. Only three Sicilian provinces were not under siege by Portugal. Their coasts were blockaded by Portuguese navies and the biggest of the navy was waiting outside Messina, where Sicilian fleet had hidden themselves.


Swarming Sicily

The Sicilians did have one more attempt of victory. They gathered an army of 6000 soldiers and attacked 5000 Portuguese soldiers in Lucania in December 1619. Of course, they were promptly beaten back and by the middle of January 1620, the last of Sicilian forces were cornered in Abruzzi and killed to the last man.

Rest of the year 1620 was quiet. Palermo and Lucania fell and Portuguese put the three remaining Sicilian provinces under siege. The same could be said for the 1621. One by one, Sicilian provinces begun to fall. The Portuguese did two small battles with Sicilian navy- only taking and sinking a few ships, nothing special. Sicily was defeated, it was only a matter of time.

Time that begun in January 1622. Sicily finally gave up, ceding Palermo to Portugal and giving Abruzzi to Papal States. Not much gains, you say? But it made Sicily just a perfect size for vassalization. Would that happen during next war? Or diplomatically? No-one knows yet, but one thing is certain- Sicily will become Portuguese. And Portugal is advancing into Italy from both North and South...


The peace with Sicily

Other Matters

The control of Papacy had been in Portuguese hands for over 40 years, since 1580. There had been some competition, but Portugal managed to keep the Pope under their thumb. In 1620, Portugal managed to create situation where all the future cardinals are hearing the enlightened advice of the Portugal. Seems like no-one can save the Pope, personal pet of Sebastião I.


More and more control over the Pope

Also, Portuguese adapted Carbines during that time. Better cavalry, better cannons and more firepower- works well. Unless you happen to be upon the receiving end of Portuguese cavalry.


More power!

Navy

In 1619, Portuguese adopted the Grand Navy idea. Since then, the Portuguese shipyards had been truly busy. Total 15 provinces in Iberia were building Galleons, frigates and merchantmen. Slowly, Portuguese increased the number of their fleets, totally replaced ancient transport fleet and increased the light ship power all over the world. The progress was still halfway, but in 1621, Sebastião I managed to become the nation with most of heavy ships- thus surpassing Denmark.


More heavy ships then anyone else!

This time, the war with Sicily. Not much gains- but work on vassalization of Sicily has begun. What's the rush, right?

As for next time- expect something special!

World War I, Part I: Manure Hits the Windmill

War for Malacca

Even though Portuguese have been in Malacca region for about a hundred years and have gained superiority in the trade from that node, all the rich and powerful trade centres of the area- Malacca, Brunei and Aceh, were still on local hands. Portuguese controlled half of Sumatra island and half of Borneo island, but had failed to capture either Aceh or Brunei. Malacca on the other hand resided safely over Malay peninsula where Portuguese had no power. Yet. For Sebastião I was really interested in expanding the Portuguese influence in that area and in 1623, Portuguese troops were ready for the invasion against Ayutthaya, the owner of both Malacca and Aceh.

War begun in July 1623 and 20 000 Portuguese crossed the borders- one army sieging Malacca, another sieging Minangkabau in Sumatra island. The war was going according to plan. No enemies in sight, the sieges proceeded normally and both cities fell in April 1624. Portuguese marched on, confident of their victory.


It was going so well

Manure Time

It was in 12th May 1624 when nothing went according to plan anymore. Spanish, who had been thoroughly beaten by the Portuguese, had formed a coalition. A coalition that spanned the globe. When Spain declared war on Portuguese on that date, half of the world decided to join in against the Portuguese.


Trouble is riding into Lisboa, carrying a Spanish banner

In addition to Spanish, the coalition consisted of following nations:
From Europe: Spain and Denmark (ally of Spain, not part of the coalition)
From Middle East: Ottoman Empire and Yemen
From India: Bahmanis, Golkonda,
From America: Aztecs
From Spice Islands: Majapahit, Aceh, Pattani

Total 10 nations from all over the world. As for Portuguese side- Great Britain and Siena joined.


The war as it starts. Denmark is not in yet

The trouble was number of armies. Even though Portugal was one of the most powerful nations in the world, the nearly 100 000 soldiers they had were split evenly across the globe. 20 000 troops or two armies were involved in fighting Malacca and that was all the forces Sebastião had in entire Indian Ocean area. Another 10 000 were stationed near Mali and they were totally useless for the coming conflict. Only place Sebastião could be certain about was America. 8000 soldiers there, but against Aztecs, who needs more?

Bulk of Portuguese forces were in Europe. Things are never that easy though- that bulk was divided into two- about 30 000 in Iberia and 30 000 in Italy. Now, separated by hostile Mediterranean Sea, where Ottoman fleets roamed. Not that it would matter much, but it also tied up Portuguese heavy fleet- these ships needed the escort.

The Plan

Sebastião I did not waste time. On the very same day, war council convened- all Portuguese dignitaries, generals and admirals who were nearby and the amazing advisors of Sebastião. The meeting went deep into the night, but the agreement was reached: situation is rough, but not unbeatable. Overall, they came to a following conclusion how to beat the enemy all over the world:


Council of Sebastião. Black and beards are the thing in Lisboa this spring

- In Europe, Italian troops need to be shipped home as soon as possible, while Iberian troops begin their march to Spanish lands. Armada Real, the Portuguese heavy fleet, will support the operation. The bulk of the Portuguese forces will be fighting the Spanish.

- The Arabian peninsula will be left on their own. Portuguese Kings had invested fortunes to keep the cities there fortified. Now is time for it to pay off, for Arabian peninsula will receive no reinforcements

- Portuguese troops in Indian Ocean area will continue the war against Ayutthaya, hoping to end up this war. At least until situation in India turns really sour, then the sieges will be abandoned and they shipped into India.

- In India, local defence forces must hold until Portuguese are finished in Spice Islands

- In America, the Portuguese troops will kick Aztecs and then proceed to take their cities. It was one thing that was about to end up as a success, no questions asked.

It Begins!

In 16th May, just four days after the war begun, Portuguese main trade fleet attacked Spanish trade fleet. 39 Portuguese light ships versus 7 Spanish met outside Gulf of Almeria. As the Portuguese cannons pounded the Spanish into submission, it became clear to everyone- the war had begun.


First battle of the war

Another four days later, in 20th May 1624, land forces sprung into action. Portuguese main army crossed the border and attacked 2000 soldiers defending Madrid. Outnumbered over 10:1, the Spanish were not defeated, but annihilated. The next day, Portuguese cannons started pounding on the city walls while the Portuguese army marched on, leaving 5000 soldiers behind to siege the enemy capital. The biggest war Portugal had ever faced had begun.


Madrid under siege

This is it now- first coalition war! Luckily, only Spain and Denmark joined the fun from Europe. The main problem is the troop disposition though- the Indian Ocean area are clearly understaffed. Well, we see how this turns out...

Nikolai - no low maintenance for me anymore. And revolts- well, point there, but i preferred to use the vassal style in Europe

Orlov Kruskayev - Vassalization of Pope is on my todo list- but i first need to reduce Papal lands. The greedy Popes control too much of Italy, Island of Crete and city of Venice that need to go first. And special enough, i hope?

Chief Ragusa - Naples would have gotten almost all of Sicily, so i thought might as well get it using Sicily. As for Tunis and Tripoli: they get the same 200% coring malus as Morocco and Algiers. I don't want to spent that much administrative points.

neilcavan - Heh, nothing to be ashamed about. Portugal is really fun nation to play, so don't be afraid. Plus, every game is not different. As for without banks- go Europe. First thing i'd do is take Granada before Spanish get to it- extra three provinces in Europe help you a lot. Hmm- i'd even go as far as to ally myself with France and Aragon and go after Castile- you need much more solid tax income now, before you can totally use the trade income.

World War I, Part II - Battle of Vizcaya

Rest of the World

By July 1624, Yemeni troops had crossed the border. The heart of Portuguese trade in the area was under siege by 11 000 Yemeni soldiers, plus 4000 were sieging Hadramaut. The Portuguese still controlled the ports and the sea, for Yemeni fleet was small and Portuguese Aden fleet was second largest of the Portuguese light fleets. At least the people under siege would not have to worry about starvation, only about the enemy cannons. Still, Portuguese kings had invested quite a deal on the defence of the Arabian peninsula. It was time to see how the walls will hold...


Yemeni advancing in the Arabian Peninsula

Same for India- slowly, the enemy forced marched. Portugal controlled most of the Southern India and the forces, lead by Golkonda, swarmed over the Portuguese India. Also undefended, for the all of Portuguese forces in the Indian Ocean area are in the Spice Islands. All of India, all of Arabian Peninsula, undefended...


The situation in India

As for Americas- In December 1624, Portuguese forces arrived from march to South America, kicked Aztec armies and started siege of Aztec lands. The Portuguese were ruling supreme there.


Portuguese victorious in America

Spice Islands

Perak in the Malay Peninsula fell in December 1624. This time, Sebastião I ordered them not to march further against Ayutthaya, but put them on transport fleet and sailed them to Java island, where Majapahit troops had started the siege of Mataram, one of the Portuguese colonies in the area. Led by Sebastião I, Portuguese forces landed in February 1625 and destroyed Majapahit troops in one battle. After the battle, the troops were sailed to India.


Defeat of the Majapahit...

The same time, city of Aceh fell and Portuguese troops. Meanwhile, Pattani, a small nation in the Malay Peninsula, was gathering their forces and sieging city of Palembang in Sumatra island. In May 1625, they were also killed to the last man. With that, Portuguese had put an end to most of the opposition in Spice Islands. The other army was shipped to India as well.


... and of the Pattani

Majapahit and Pattani, two nations in the coalition against Portugal, were basically dealt a blow they would have hard time recovering from in the coming years. Third nation in Spice Islands that was in coalition, Aceh, was a one-province nation that is not able to attempt any serious blow on Portugal anyways. The Spice Islands were secured. More or less. War with Ayutthaya would be put on hold and Portuguese soldiers will continue the fight in India.

Battle of Vizcaya

The Portuguese advance into Spain came to a halt- it turned out that the Spanish were not as defenceless as originally thought. They still had an army of 24 000 soldiers, camped in province of Vizcaya. Powerful enough to force Sebastião I to give up his original split and siege strategy, but not powerful enough to gather the sieges already begun. Instead, Portuguese main army marched to Barcelona and camped themselves there- until the beginning of the year 1625. Then, most of the troops from Italy had been shipped home and Portuguese strength reached 42 000 soldiers. Now, with overwhelming superiority, the Portuguese marched towards the Spanish.

Spanish army was still in Vizcaya. Afraid of the Portuguese military prowess, they had been afraid to move when the armies were of equal size. Instead, they dug themselves more in. It was a classic case, where no-one wanted to take blame for the failure. As a result, the Spanish spent a whole lot of time shifting responsibility, arguing about potential strategies and all the other things people do when they know doom is coming and they want their neighbour to take a fall for it instead of themselves.

Portuguese did not care about the Spanish bickering. Or, to be more precise, were grateful for it, for it allowed the Portuguese to gather strength. In end of February 1625, first Portuguese units crossed the provincial border and soon, rest of the Portuguese army followed. The battle of Vizcaya had begun.

The ordinary Spaniards fought like lions. They were backed to the wall, they had everything to lose, especially their lives. It was one of the bloodiest, cruelest battles Portuguese had to fight in- the Spaniards made them to pay every step they took with blood. Portuguese did not care, they pushed on, against the Spanish fortifications. Pushed on with rage, for they knew that when they win, the Portuguese will win the war. Plus, Portuguese general Álvaro Gomez had opened the rum kegs and promised gold for the soldiers who takes down Spanish flags. In the end, the Spanish flags were taken- and the Portuguese ruled the fields and Spanish fled.


Portuguese attacking the Spanish in Vizcaya

In the end, the losses of Portuguese were horrendous. Little big over 10 000 soldiers, enough for one army and more than Portuguese have in America, left their lives in the fields of Vizcaya. It was the biggest battle the Portuguese had fought to date and also the biggest losses Portuguese had to deal with. Luckily, the Spanish losses were even higher.


Defeat of the Spanish

Half a month later, Portuguese surrounded the fleeing Spanish in Pirineo and forced the enemy to surrender. WIth that, Spain had no armies left in Europe. Portuguese victory was now more or less guaranteed. In the coming month, Portuguese troops split up and put every Spanish province in Iberia under siege. At least in Europe, the Spanish were defeated.


Iberia after the Battle of Vizcaya

The war is not over yet, but it is over in Iberia and in the Spice Islands- not a bad result. Especially in Iberia- it is mighty good feeling to have all of the Spanish provinces under siege.

metalinvader665 - well, semi-epic. The coalition is still small and for example, Africa is not represented at all.

Orlov Kruskayev - Looks like Great Britain kept the Denmark busy. They still have the second largest fleet in the world- and their fleet is more concentrated then mine. As for Pope- i'd also grab everything i can when playing as a Pope!

DensleyBlair- total control this time, it seems!

Mkoll13 - so far, so worthy, it seems

GunthiHrod - Well, in this case, the death of the king is recommended, for the heir is 6/5/5 ruler! And for Spanish- i have no clue. I'm such a nice person to relieve them of trouble of managing about half of their provinces, but they don't seem to be thankful at all. Go figure.

World War I, Part III - Subcontinental Situation

Fall of Aden

Few month after the victory in Vizcaya, Aden fell. It was not starvation nor thirst that forced the province to fall. After all, Portuguese controlled the seas- and Portuguese fleet was busy sailing much needed supplies to Aden. It was bad contractors that killed Aden. Even though the city had proper star fort, surrounded by tenailles, the contractors did a shortcut here and there. A shortcut Yemeni were quick to exploit as their cannons filled the walls of Aden with holes. Eventually, too many holes for the garrison to fix.

In July 1625, Aden fell. Next night, the city was burning, as the Yemeni desperately tried to look for someone to kill/ravage or something to loot- and found none. For in the last few month, Portuguese Aden Fleet had been busy- transferring all the people, their gold and other valuables and their pots and pans and anything smaller then furniture across the Red Sea, to Majerteen, where they would be safe for the end of the war.

Sill, one of the jewels of Portugal was burning.


Fall of Aden

Clearing India

Carnatic was actually the first of the Portuguese provinces to fall to enemy. In April 1625, the forces of Golkonda got control of the city as the Portuguese surrendered. The garrison and the citizens were allowed to walk out.

In July 1625, first Portuguese transport fleet, carrying an army from Spice Islands had docked in Malabar. First target- 4000 soldiers from Mysore, sieging Kongu. Portuguese did a quick march to Kongu, caught Mysorean troops completely by surprise and annihilated them. Kongu was safe- as for the rest of the India. Well, there were soldiers from Golkonda, Kachar and surprisingly enough, Ayutthaya- who obviously thought it would be best to fight Portugal in India, not in Spice Islands. A daring strategy at least.


First battle in India


By the end of the August 1625, both Portuguese armies had arrived in India. Led by King Sebastião himself, the Portuguese now numbered 19 000. Not much, you say? Yes, but they still were technologically superior and better trained than Indian soldiers and King Sebastião was actually a brilliant general. so the scales were tipped on Portuguese favor.

First to discover that were 14 000 soldiers of Golkonda, who had marched to siege the province of Kongu. Following the path used three month ago, the Portuguese marched their troops to Kongu, once again surrounded the siegers and then, let the hell loose. The enemy, surrounded, outnumbered, panicking and under constant stream of volleys from Portuguese muskets, broke and fled the field. Not one soldiers willing to fight for Golkonda remained.


Clearing the first obstacle

From there, Portuguese marched to Carnatic, a province under control of the enemy. 4000 soldiers of Golkonda were killed to the last man, but King Sebastião did not wish to begin the siege. Portuguese did some rude gestures towards the garrison and then, marched on. For it is the first rule of the successful warfare- defeat enemy first, siege later.


This is easy

In October, Portuguese attacked forces of Ayutthaya, sieging Madurai. Though the siege had gone on for almost a year, the enemy had made a very little progress. The fortifications of Madurai seemed to shrug off every cannonball the enemy sent towards her and as for starvation- please, the ports were open and the Portuguese controlled the seas. Then, the Portuguese main army arrived. Forcing Ayutthaya to abandon siege and face Portuguese in open battle- and soon, forcing them to run. Over half of their infantry and about three quarters of their cavalry were left in the field as the Portuguese ended the slaughter and the enemy retreated- across all the India, back home.


The second big battle of India

That left only one province still under siege by the enemy. Well, at least in India. In the end of November, Portuguese troops took on the last of the enemy armies- a combined army of Ayutthaya, Kochar and Taungu were sieging the province. Once again, the enemy fled and the Portuguese were victorious. That was the last enemy army in India. Now, Sebastião had to decide what to do- and he decided to leave Carnatic under enemy occupation and move most of his army north, to siege Kosta.


Last battle of India

With just half a year, Portuguese had cleared the India of enemy troops and were now advancing themselves to further enemy lands.

Rest of the World

In Iberia, Portuguese troops were advancing without opposition. All of the Spanish provinces were under siege and slowly, they begun to fall under Portuguese cannons. No other opposition in Europe. Portuguese are truly victorious there.

In Aden, Hadhramaut fell in November 1625 and currently, Mocha and Mahra are under siege. Portugal still has no plans to send troops there.


Situation in Aden by end of 1625

In America, Portuguese are swarming over Aztec territory and continuing undefeated. Meanwhile, in South America, 5000 Spanish soldiers emerge and start siege of the southernmost of Portuguese provinces- Huancavelica.


Spanish making minor progress in America

Overall, the Portuguese are gaining a upper hand in this war though.