History
History of Smaller Al-Andalus and Background
Granada was the seat of the 'Nasrid dynasty that ruled the sultanate (until 1238) and kingdom of Granada in southern Spain from the mid 13th century to the 15th century, one of the longest-lasting Islamic dynasties in the history of al-Andalus. The Nasrid sultans and kings were responsible for building most of the palaces in the Alhambra.
The city became the seat of the Nasrid kingdom (taifa) in 1238, when the Moors retreated during the Christian reconquest of Spain. Granada linked the commercial routes from Europe to Africa crossing the Sahara. The nation constantly shrunk but still held on against the Christian hordes.
Present History
The Banu Sarraj and Gayys continue to fight amongst themselves, and the Sultan finds himself in the perdicament of the insistant Christian attacks and razzias and trying to unite the tattered nation together.Sultan Mohammed "The Rich" forsees an age of prosperity, one that could be acheived through hardwork and peace, question is, how will things turn out
Time line for Iberia from 1250 - 1380s
1252-1310
Periodic civil wars in Castile.
1257
Muslims use some form of incendiary weapon at Niebla.
1264-1267
Muslim revolt in Andalusia .
1275-1285
Four Marinid expeditions to Spain.
1275
Muslim defeat Christrians at Ecija.
1276-1280
Muslim revolt in Valencia.
1280
King Peter of Aragon captures most of the Aragonese nobility in a castle where they are plotting against him (Nicolle, 1988). Peter's army is now based around a professional core of Spanish, English, French, Italian and Hungarian mercenaries.
Muslims use some form of incendiary weapon at Cordoba .
1282 Sicilian Vespers
Peter III of Aragon conquers Sicily .
1285
War between France and Aragon-Catalonia . Nicolle mentions Valencian Muslims in an Aragonese army against a French invasion a few years after 1258, and I presume it is during the conflict of 1285.
1292
Castile captures Tarifa from Marinids.
1295-1302
Civil wars in Castile.
1306
Muslims use some form of incendiary weapon at Gibraltar .
1310
Castile captures Gibraltar .
1319
Granada defeats Castilian invasion .
1324
Catalonia occupies Sardinia.
1331
Granada uses iron balls propelled by fire or containing fire against Alicante and Orihuela .
1333
Granada retakes Gibraltar for Islam.
1340
Algeciras
The Marinid fleet (Abu Hassan) of 200 ships defeat a Castilian fleet off Algeciras and land.
Salado
Granadine forces (Yusuf I) join the Marinids, and the combined force besieges Christian held Tarifa (Heath, 1982; Nicolle, 1988). After some months Alfonso XI of Castile organises a small relief army. The Christian army includes 20,000 Castilians (12,000 infantry and 8,000 men-at-arms), 1,000 Portuguese men-at-arms (under Alfonso IV), and contingents from the orders of Alcantara, Calatrava and Santiago, but it is still only about 1/4 the size of the Muslim army. In the ensuing battle on the Salado river, the Castilians face the Marinids and the Portuguese face the Granadines. The Muslims break at the height of the battle when the Tarifa garison sorties and attacks their rear. Many Muslims are killed in the rout, and subsequently Castile captures Algeciras.
It is possible the Marinids and Granadines used real artillery at Salado and Tarifa.
1341
Portugal raids Canary Islands .
1343
Granadines use cannon in the defence of Algerciras.
1345
Kingdoms of Catalonia-Aragon and Rousillon-Mallorca reunited .
1367 Najera (Navarette)
The English and French intervene in a Civil war in Castile.
In January 1367 AD, Charles of Navarre breaks with English. Sir Hugh Calveley invades Navarre under orders from Edward of Aquitaine. Charles forced to reaffirm treaty with English and Pedro.
In February Du Guesclin is released by Enrique and undertakes a campaign in Aragon for Pere. Returns to Enrique/Henry de Trastamara when news of English arrives.
English cross at Roncesvalles in last two weeks of February. Possibly with as few as 6000 men, including John of Gaunt with 800 archers + retinue, 14 squadrons of free companies under Chandos. They are joined by 300 Navarese lances under Martin Enriquez de la Carra.
Charles of Navarre has himself captured by French.
Henry holed up in Castle of Zaldiaran near Vitoria by Edward. Edward knights King Pedro. Enrique sends two companies of horse to attack English during night, with considerable success. Over 400 men-at-arms and archers are lost. English retreat to Logrono on 1 April. Henry moves to Najera.
On 3 April the largely English army (the Black Prince, King Pedro the Cruel of Castile) defeats Franco-Castilians (King Henry de Trastamara) at Najera.
Before battle a number of light horse deserted Henry for Pedro. The French of the Franco-Castilian vanguard dismount, as do the entire English army. Whilst the French vanguard slowly push the English vanguard backwards, the English archers on the wings drive off the Castilian Jinetes and supporting infantry, then turn in on the exposed French flanks. Three times Don Henry attempts to rescue the French of the van, but each time the Castilians are driven back with heavy losses. The Castilians break when the English rearguard attacks their flank, and the French are finally forced to surrender. The Franco-Castilians lose 560 men-at-arms including over 400 Frenchmen, and 4,500-5,500 infantry, many of whom are cut down in the rout, and most of the commanders were captured including the Grand Masters of Calatrava and Santiago, the prior of Knights of St John, Du Guesclin and Audrehem. The English lose 40 men-at-arms and 20 archers, nearly all from the vanguard.
English advance to Burgos, then later take Amosco and besiege Medina del Campo in search of provisions.
Anglo-Portuguese treaty signed 'forever' .
Recent History
Kingdom embarks on a process of centralization by reigning in the nobility by the use of the Order of the Silver hand and force, incurs much furry.Grenada signs a defensive pact with Portugal and Aragon, and procedes to purchase the Beleares islands.The Pope in Avignon waves crusade and Grenada cowers to the Christians, evacuating the island in a matter of days.Castillian King demands vassalization, Grenada bows to Madrid.
Civil war erupts between uprsurper Al-Cordobi and the King of Ghernata.Grenada falls to the rebels and loyal troops muster in Almeria.A force made up of Ghernata's armies, mercenaries, Castillian hidalogos and Knights of the Silver Order attack Al-Cordobi's forces outside Grenada and win a unanimous victory.Al-Cordobi executed by his own men and civil war ends with the capitulation of the city.
Emir Mohammed leaves Ghernata to Madrid to officialy recognize the King of Castile as lord, is granted Jaen and protection.Ghernata embarks on a reform process and opening up to the world after the period of instability.
