Looking at the Muslim countries nowadays, I'm really happy with my Catholic, Castillian speaking Spain, thanks
PS: Be sure of conquering Asturias and Navarra before they start another Reconquista
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Looking at the Muslim countries nowadays, I'm really happy with my Catholic, Castillian speaking Spain, thanks
PS: Be sure of conquering Asturias and Navarra before they start another Reconquista
TheRealDeal... three words: we shall overcome
Gorion, the present was made by people of the past. Looking back at the reign of the Moors, you can't notice its superiority to the barbaric kingdoms of the north Nevertheless, I used to like Orthodox religion only for one reason: it was the religion of my ancestors. But I grew out of it
I promise, I'll keep an eye on Navarra - they can be dangerous
Well, seriously, Navarra could be dangerous during 1492-1500. Albert, Borjia, all good leaders. If they attack Spain right away, Granada might survive and if they drag France along with them: Castille is in for a long war.
Gorion, the present was made by people of the past. Looking back at the reign of the Moors, you can't notice its superiority to the barbaric kingdoms of the north
Nevertheless, I used to like Orthodox religion only for one reason: it was the religion of my ancestors. But I grew out of it I promise, I'll keep an eye on Navarra - they can be dangerous
Well, seriously, Navarra could be dangerous during 1492-1500. Albert, Borjia, all good leaders. If they attack Spain right away, Granada might survive and if they drag France along with them: Castille is in for a long war.
Part IV. Expanding the Horizons.
Unto Allah belong the East and the West, and whithersoever ye turn, there is Allah's Countenance. Lo! Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
As soon as Portugal was annexed Spain started yet another war, to be the last war Granada would fight in many years to come. This time Modena, Persia, Papal States, Genoa and Burgundy supported Spaniards. Al-Andalus called upon her Muslim allies and all joined the fight against infidel Christians and Persian heretics.
Third Spanish War 1515-18
Spanish navy suffered greatly from the combined fleet of Algiers and Tunisia. The Moors decided not to risk a naval battle, which would not bring the war to en end at any rate, and went for the siege of Gibraltar.
In December of 1517 Catalonia declared independence from Rome. It's two provinces of Catalonia and Gerona would provide for a perfect buffer against the future invasions in the north. Thus, it was decided to send the new kingdom a rich gift of 100,000 ducats and once the relationships improved, Catalonia was invited to join the Moorish alliance, which it did with great gratitude.
Spanish once again showed almost no resistance to the Muslim armies. All their efforts were concentrated in the Balears, while even their capital fell to Moors. New maps significantly expanded the knowledge the Moors had of the seaways and lands across the ocean. An expedition was sent to Mexico with orders to burn Spanish trading posts there, and they performed splendidly, wiping all Spanish possessions south of Aztec empire.
Those heathens preferred to stay out of the way, and in gratitude the Moors sent their holy men to teach Aztecs of Allah and Quoran.
Spanish did try to pay back with the same coin and even managed to burn one Moorish trading post in Brazil. However, this was not enough to turn the tide of war. In 1518 Spain was forced to surrender, ceding Estramadura, Leon and Gibraltar to the kingdom of Al-Andalus. After the war Spanish king would no longer rule from Madrid. Capital was moved to Euskadia, whose fortifications were better than those of Madrid, and mountainous terrain made it hard to capture.
In March of 1518 the peace was made with the rest of the enemy alliance. The timing couldn't be better as the rebellions fired across the country. One by one provinces of Murcia, Leon and Tago rebelled, the last rebellion boasting twice a bigger army than total of the Moorish forces. The rebels seized the islands as well and it was not until much later that they were liberated by small detachments of the Moorish infantry.
Christian rebellions of that time proved to the Council of the Sheiks that the time had come to consolidate the kingdom's gains. However, the ferocity of the rebels was not enough to make the Moors to treat Christians in the different way from Muslims. One by one the rebellions were put down, although it times it would require several attempts.
From 1518 and on the Moors began actively colonizing Brazil, but all their territories there had nothing, but the trading posts, which made them vulnerable to the Spanish attacks. In Cuba, a colony New Sierra Nevada had grown to the size of full city, becoming the first Moorish bastion in the New World.
In Europe Wurtemburg was the first to succumb to Protestant heresy, which was received with a degree of amusement in Granada. The Moors liked to attribute the success of Martin Luther, for if the Spain wasn't so weak, surely the heretics would not prevail.
Elsewhere, Russia annexed Kazan', Golden Horde and Astrakhan' and went into several wars with Poland. At first successful, they lost somewhat later, when they even had to cede Donetsk to the Hungarians. Turkey annexed Mamelukes, and if Turks could be kept as friends, the eastern flank of the Moorish alliance would be secured.
As for Spain, it no longer was a major player in European politics, constantly changing its allegiance, it ended being a French ally.
Throughout the years Europe got used to see independent and strong Granada and grew less hostile toward it. The kingdom itself was experiencing bad times and bad lack. High inflation (50%+) was twice boosted by corruption among officials (+25%), one time half of all investments in infrastructure were lost, Tago kept rebelling and country's economic development was behind its neighbors. The truth became obvious to all the Moors - their country's survival depends on a war of conquest. Their colonial empire was very vulnerable to the Spanish attack, and there were not enough money to strengthen it soon. To strike first was the only way to prevent Spanish from growing strong in Americas. But who would aid the Moors in their struggle? Surely their present allies would not be able to reach the lands of the New World. The answer lay close, but it would come only to the most daring minds of the Al-Andalus.
Screenshot of the day: Al-Andalus in 1518
Unto Allah belong the East and the West, and whithersoever ye turn, there is Allah's Countenance. Lo! Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
As soon as Portugal was annexed Spain started yet another war, to be the last war Granada would fight in many years to come. This time Modena, Persia, Papal States, Genoa and Burgundy supported Spaniards. Al-Andalus called upon her Muslim allies and all joined the fight against infidel Christians and Persian heretics.
Third Spanish War 1515-18
Spanish navy suffered greatly from the combined fleet of Algiers and Tunisia. The Moors decided not to risk a naval battle, which would not bring the war to en end at any rate, and went for the siege of Gibraltar.
In December of 1517 Catalonia declared independence from Rome. It's two provinces of Catalonia and Gerona would provide for a perfect buffer against the future invasions in the north. Thus, it was decided to send the new kingdom a rich gift of 100,000 ducats and once the relationships improved, Catalonia was invited to join the Moorish alliance, which it did with great gratitude.
Spanish once again showed almost no resistance to the Muslim armies. All their efforts were concentrated in the Balears, while even their capital fell to Moors. New maps significantly expanded the knowledge the Moors had of the seaways and lands across the ocean. An expedition was sent to Mexico with orders to burn Spanish trading posts there, and they performed splendidly, wiping all Spanish possessions south of Aztec empire.
Those heathens preferred to stay out of the way, and in gratitude the Moors sent their holy men to teach Aztecs of Allah and Quoran.
Spanish did try to pay back with the same coin and even managed to burn one Moorish trading post in Brazil. However, this was not enough to turn the tide of war. In 1518 Spain was forced to surrender, ceding Estramadura, Leon and Gibraltar to the kingdom of Al-Andalus. After the war Spanish king would no longer rule from Madrid. Capital was moved to Euskadia, whose fortifications were better than those of Madrid, and mountainous terrain made it hard to capture.
In March of 1518 the peace was made with the rest of the enemy alliance. The timing couldn't be better as the rebellions fired across the country. One by one provinces of Murcia, Leon and Tago rebelled, the last rebellion boasting twice a bigger army than total of the Moorish forces. The rebels seized the islands as well and it was not until much later that they were liberated by small detachments of the Moorish infantry.
Christian rebellions of that time proved to the Council of the Sheiks that the time had come to consolidate the kingdom's gains. However, the ferocity of the rebels was not enough to make the Moors to treat Christians in the different way from Muslims. One by one the rebellions were put down, although it times it would require several attempts.
From 1518 and on the Moors began actively colonizing Brazil, but all their territories there had nothing, but the trading posts, which made them vulnerable to the Spanish attacks. In Cuba, a colony New Sierra Nevada had grown to the size of full city, becoming the first Moorish bastion in the New World.
In Europe Wurtemburg was the first to succumb to Protestant heresy, which was received with a degree of amusement in Granada. The Moors liked to attribute the success of Martin Luther, for if the Spain wasn't so weak, surely the heretics would not prevail.
Elsewhere, Russia annexed Kazan', Golden Horde and Astrakhan' and went into several wars with Poland. At first successful, they lost somewhat later, when they even had to cede Donetsk to the Hungarians. Turkey annexed Mamelukes, and if Turks could be kept as friends, the eastern flank of the Moorish alliance would be secured.
As for Spain, it no longer was a major player in European politics, constantly changing its allegiance, it ended being a French ally.
Throughout the years Europe got used to see independent and strong Granada and grew less hostile toward it. The kingdom itself was experiencing bad times and bad lack. High inflation (50%+) was twice boosted by corruption among officials (+25%), one time half of all investments in infrastructure were lost, Tago kept rebelling and country's economic development was behind its neighbors. The truth became obvious to all the Moors - their country's survival depends on a war of conquest. Their colonial empire was very vulnerable to the Spanish attack, and there were not enough money to strengthen it soon. To strike first was the only way to prevent Spanish from growing strong in Americas. But who would aid the Moors in their struggle? Surely their present allies would not be able to reach the lands of the New World. The answer lay close, but it would come only to the most daring minds of the Al-Andalus.
Screenshot of the day: Al-Andalus in 1518
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I am not Catholic myself. In fact, I think that the Spanish Church has been the main Spanish enemy since Isabel and Fernando.
It's fun to see the Spanish capital in the Basque Country. If just they moved it to Asturias, History would be repeating herself.
It's fun to see the Spanish capital in the Basque Country. If just they moved it to Asturias, History would be repeating herself.
I would move it to Asturias, but the main factor would be a better defensive position. In the end it all came down to one thing: Euskadia had better fortifications than any Spanish province in the peninsula.
About Catholic Church... Funny, I figured that Orthodox Church was the worst Church to have. It is a wonder us Slavs were able to keep any kind of warlike spirit at all.
About Catholic Church... Funny, I figured that Orthodox Church was the worst Church to have. It is a wonder us Slavs were able to keep any kind of warlike spirit at all.
Nalivaiko
Reading the following:
"After the war Spanish king would no longer rule from Madrid. Capital was moved to Euskadia, whose fortifications were better than those of Madrid, and mountainous terrain made it hard to capture."
I was curious - you changed it yourself or it was an ingame random event?
Thanks for an excellent AAR. Òàê äåðæàòü!
Cornelius.
Reading the following:
"After the war Spanish king would no longer rule from Madrid. Capital was moved to Euskadia, whose fortifications were better than those of Madrid, and mountainous terrain made it hard to capture."
I was curious - you changed it yourself or it was an ingame random event?
Thanks for an excellent AAR. Òàê äåðæàòü!
Cornelius.
I thought it was that way !!! But a nice way to cover it in the story
Btw, Cockney you've changed your shield - is it Hafsid?
Cornelius.
Hey that won't do. Isabel dispensed with him in your first installment, you cannot resurrect him that easily.
OK I've been a bit late on the uptake there but I was away for the last two days. Still another good one from you. You must organize your life around EU!
Btw, I agree with Gorion that the Catholic Church did not help Spain much : first the Spanish Inquisition forced the Moors out (convert, move away without any of your wealth or burn at the stake) and then did the same with the Jews. It was not so much the spanish fighting spirit that was affected but rather it removed a lot of learned people, both scientifically, artiscally and economically.
Oh, and in most sunni muslim states of the game period, although Christians and Jews were allowed to practice their religion and any craft as people of the Book (Old and New Testament), they had to pay additional taxes for not being Muslims.
smarter than they seemed,
1. Ban Jews from any job but usury (sp?
2. Take loans from said Jews
3. When loans come up, condemn Jewish Userers and drive them out of the country.
If I was going to live in Mideveal Europe, it would definetly be in Al-Andalus- The best parts of Muslim world (science, art, religious tolerance & prosperity) without the worst parts (Mongol Invasion, Shiite/Sunni conflict)
1. Ban Jews from any job but usury (sp?
2. Take loans from said Jews
3. When loans come up, condemn Jewish Userers and drive them out of the country.
If I was going to live in Mideveal Europe, it would definetly be in Al-Andalus- The best parts of Muslim world (science, art, religious tolerance & prosperity) without the worst parts (Mongol Invasion, Shiite/Sunni conflict)
They didn't realize they were driving out of Spain all of her 'middle class' and her best merchants.
Good morning to all who doesn't sleep.
First, let me appologize for any historic mistakes. The final version I am going to post on my website will have none. Hopefully.
Second, the answers:
Cornelius, as Cockney said, I just edited the savegame. I thought it would be a reasonable thing to do. The game can't adapt to changes itself, so I had to help it a little. My reasons, I am sure, are clear to everyone.
Cockney, thanks for helping out. Any progress with Tunisia yet?
T. Fournier (if seriously: see above)... There are two ways to explain this mistake (if I didn't want to bother to correct it). First, after killing Ferdinand Isabella found a lover with the same name, made him prince-consort and ocasionally allowed him to make decisions of state importance. Or he could act as a cover. Someone to blame for things when they go wrong. Second, yes, it was a ghost. It came to Isabella, scared her to death with usual ghost crap, and took control over the country Ok, point taken, will be corrected.
As for the tolerance thing: let's just say Muslims were more tolerant than Christians, especially in Al-Andalus...
For me, in game, it is a matter of basic survival to be tolerant and I am sure it was the same for the rulers of Al-Andalus. Right now, Al-Andalus is a Muslim state with the overwhelming Christian majority (haven't seen Jews in my country: I am sure they all left after the bankruptcy) - try not to be tolerant and see what happens. Nationalism risk already is a serious threat. My army is much better fighting regular Spanish armies than common Spanish peasantry. Sort of like Napoleon armies centuries later.
Deaghaidh, how about Muslim America? Or Muslim Carribean, to be more precise?
In general, I am glad you all take such an interest in my AAR. Just wait 'till I make Aztecs Muslim - that'll give you some food for thought.
First, let me appologize for any historic mistakes. The final version I am going to post on my website will have none.
Hopefully.Second, the answers:
Cornelius, as Cockney said, I just edited the savegame. I thought it would be a reasonable thing to do. The game can't adapt to changes itself, so I had to help it a little. My reasons, I am sure, are clear to everyone.
Cockney, thanks for helping out. Any progress with Tunisia yet?
T. Fournier (if seriously: see above)... There are two ways to explain this mistake (if I didn't want to bother to correct it). First, after killing Ferdinand Isabella found a lover with the same name, made him prince-consort and ocasionally allowed him to make decisions of state importance. Or he could act as a cover. Someone to blame for things when they go wrong. Second, yes, it was a ghost. It came to Isabella, scared her to death with usual ghost crap, and took control over the country
Ok, point taken, will be corrected.As for the tolerance thing: let's just say Muslims were more tolerant than Christians, especially in Al-Andalus...
For me, in game, it is a matter of basic survival to be tolerant and I am sure it was the same for the rulers of Al-Andalus. Right now, Al-Andalus is a Muslim state with the overwhelming Christian majority (haven't seen Jews in my country: I am sure they all left after the bankruptcy) - try not to be tolerant and see what happens. Nationalism risk already is a serious threat. My army is much better fighting regular Spanish armies than common Spanish peasantry. Sort of like Napoleon armies centuries later.
Deaghaidh, how about Muslim America? Or Muslim Carribean, to be more precise?
In general, I am glad you all take such an interest in my AAR. Just wait 'till I make Aztecs Muslim - that'll give you some food for thought.
Part V. The Sword and the Pen.
By 1540 the elite circles of Al-Andalus came to conclusion that if Spain was ever to be conquered her expansion in Americas had to be stopped the sooner the better. The problem was that Granada's possessions in Central America were limited to the island of Cuba and some of Spain's colonies were protected by fierce Aztec nation. The latter had survived the unsuccessful attempt by Cortez to conquer her and emerged as a minor player in the New World politics. However, it had no bright future, since Europeans refused to share their technological secrets with the nation of savages.
Kuatemoc, the conqueror of Cortes, was the first one among Aztecs to proclaim that Spanish were not Gods but mere humans. Once Moctezuma was dead, he became an emperor of Aztecs and began to look for allies across the ocean. Then came the Moors.
The government of Al-Andalus was eager to share their technology with Aztecs, but the price of it would the acceptance and submission to Allah. Carlos of Spain was determined to stop the expansion of Islam in Aztec empire and missionaries from Spain came to Aztecs preaching the good news of Jesus. However, once Aztecs learned of the different visions of Christian and Muslim Paradise, these fierce warriors became more inclined to accept the latter. Since they did not know yet the sin of drinking, they were loosing nothing accepting Islam and the possibility of having more than one wife attracted many warriors as well. In 1540 the empiror of Aztecs submitted himself to Allah and Muslim world accepted fierce Aztec warriors as their brothers.
Soon, the royal marriage was arranged between Aztecs and Moors and then an alliance was forged against Spanish and their like.
Next on the list was Catalonia. Relationships with this state were degrading by day and some gifts had to be send to win their support in the future. Aztecs received some 200,000 ducats as well, for their support in Americas was invaluable.
The next problem was that the Moorish alliance was expiring in 1544 and the government was worried that it wouldn't be possible to bring all the members of the alliance back. The war was the only way to keep the alliance alive and the war it was. In March of 1542 Spain once again received a declaration of war from Granada. At the time it was a member of French alliance, but French were not too fond of Spain either. Having dragged them into war with Austria, French dishonored their alliance with Spain after they learned of their war with Moors. The only countries that answered Spain's call for help were Burgundy, Genoa and Navarra. All the members of the Moorish alliance were true to their words.
Fourth Spanish War. 1542-44
However, Morocco, Algiers and Tunisia did not take an active part in the military operations. Aztecs and a small contigent of Moors occupied or burned all Spanish possessions in Mexico, while main Moorish army besieged Castillia. Catalonia conducted a short, but bloody campaign against Spanish, taking Rousillion and Aragon. Later they defeated a large army of Navarra in Gerona and made peace with Spain, taking Aragon.
After that the war took an unexpected turn. As Spanish were completely helpless against Muslim onslaught, the army of Navarra came from the north like a storm. They were brave and determined warriors, if not good Christians. At first Muslim army of 3,000 send 11,000 of them fleeing home, but later more came. By 1543 there were 40,000 of Navarra soldiers south of Madrid, taking one Muslim city after another. The Moors dared not to risk a battle and tried to pursue cat-and-mouse strategy that won them their previous wars with Spain, but all invain. Navarra had enough soldiers to throw on the walls of the Moorish cities and take them by assault, while Muslims had to spent time to conduct proper sieges. By 1544 it was clear that they were loosing this race against time. The hour of the sword had passed and the pen had to finish the jobs. In July of 1544 the peace with Spanish was made with Castille going to Granada. The peace completely undermined all the successes of Navarra, but the government of Granada tasted the bitterness of disappointment as well.
The war was a tactical victory, but strategically it fell short of defeat. Spanish still retained most of their possessions in Central America and Navarra proved to be too strong of a threat to ignore in the future. The Jihad came to the halt and the Reconquista again flamed the hearts of the Christians in the north of peninsula. Thankfully, the war uncovered the main weakness of Al-Andalus - its less than reliable fortifications. In following years the Moors further fortified Oporto and Leon and similar plans were made for other cities. The storm had passed, but more would follow and Al-Andalus had to ready herself for them.
By 1540 the elite circles of Al-Andalus came to conclusion that if Spain was ever to be conquered her expansion in Americas had to be stopped the sooner the better. The problem was that Granada's possessions in Central America were limited to the island of Cuba and some of Spain's colonies were protected by fierce Aztec nation. The latter had survived the unsuccessful attempt by Cortez to conquer her and emerged as a minor player in the New World politics. However, it had no bright future, since Europeans refused to share their technological secrets with the nation of savages.
Kuatemoc, the conqueror of Cortes, was the first one among Aztecs to proclaim that Spanish were not Gods but mere humans. Once Moctezuma was dead, he became an emperor of Aztecs and began to look for allies across the ocean. Then came the Moors.
The government of Al-Andalus was eager to share their technology with Aztecs, but the price of it would the acceptance and submission to Allah. Carlos of Spain was determined to stop the expansion of Islam in Aztec empire and missionaries from Spain came to Aztecs preaching the good news of Jesus. However, once Aztecs learned of the different visions of Christian and Muslim Paradise, these fierce warriors became more inclined to accept the latter. Since they did not know yet the sin of drinking, they were loosing nothing accepting Islam and the possibility of having more than one wife attracted many warriors as well. In 1540 the empiror of Aztecs submitted himself to Allah and Muslim world accepted fierce Aztec warriors as their brothers.
Soon, the royal marriage was arranged between Aztecs and Moors and then an alliance was forged against Spanish and their like.
Next on the list was Catalonia. Relationships with this state were degrading by day and some gifts had to be send to win their support in the future. Aztecs received some 200,000 ducats as well, for their support in Americas was invaluable.
The next problem was that the Moorish alliance was expiring in 1544 and the government was worried that it wouldn't be possible to bring all the members of the alliance back. The war was the only way to keep the alliance alive and the war it was. In March of 1542 Spain once again received a declaration of war from Granada. At the time it was a member of French alliance, but French were not too fond of Spain either. Having dragged them into war with Austria, French dishonored their alliance with Spain after they learned of their war with Moors. The only countries that answered Spain's call for help were Burgundy, Genoa and Navarra. All the members of the Moorish alliance were true to their words.
Fourth Spanish War. 1542-44
However, Morocco, Algiers and Tunisia did not take an active part in the military operations. Aztecs and a small contigent of Moors occupied or burned all Spanish possessions in Mexico, while main Moorish army besieged Castillia. Catalonia conducted a short, but bloody campaign against Spanish, taking Rousillion and Aragon. Later they defeated a large army of Navarra in Gerona and made peace with Spain, taking Aragon.
After that the war took an unexpected turn. As Spanish were completely helpless against Muslim onslaught, the army of Navarra came from the north like a storm. They were brave and determined warriors, if not good Christians. At first Muslim army of 3,000 send 11,000 of them fleeing home, but later more came. By 1543 there were 40,000 of Navarra soldiers south of Madrid, taking one Muslim city after another. The Moors dared not to risk a battle and tried to pursue cat-and-mouse strategy that won them their previous wars with Spain, but all invain. Navarra had enough soldiers to throw on the walls of the Moorish cities and take them by assault, while Muslims had to spent time to conduct proper sieges. By 1544 it was clear that they were loosing this race against time. The hour of the sword had passed and the pen had to finish the jobs. In July of 1544 the peace with Spanish was made with Castille going to Granada. The peace completely undermined all the successes of Navarra, but the government of Granada tasted the bitterness of disappointment as well.
The war was a tactical victory, but strategically it fell short of defeat. Spanish still retained most of their possessions in Central America and Navarra proved to be too strong of a threat to ignore in the future. The Jihad came to the halt and the Reconquista again flamed the hearts of the Christians in the north of peninsula. Thankfully, the war uncovered the main weakness of Al-Andalus - its less than reliable fortifications. In following years the Moors further fortified Oporto and Leon and similar plans were made for other cities. The storm had passed, but more would follow and Al-Andalus had to ready herself for them.
You might not have received all that you wanted but it could have been far worst if Spain had refused your peace offer. I like the stragegy of getting the Aztecs in your alliance. You just might be able to kick Spain out of the new world. I have to admit I haven't tried that approch against them. Good Luck.
Joe
I like the stragegy of getting the Aztecs in your alliance. You just might be able to kick Spain out of the new world. I have to admit I haven't tried that approch against them. Good Luck.Joe
Storey, Spanish were beginning me to take Castille, I even refused several times until things got hot with Navarra.
Gorion, here you go
Screenshots for Part V.
Al-Andalus in 1549
Americas in 1549
Gorion, here you go
Screenshots for Part V.
Al-Andalus in 1549
Americas in 1549
Well done, Navarra can be a pain in the backside, you may want to try for a sneaky annexation next time
I had to restart my Tunisia game but I am going ok now
I had to restart my Tunisia game
but I am going ok now