El Cid and the Reconquista 1050–1492
Product details
- ISBN 9780850458404
- Weight: 196g
- Dimensions: 182 x 244mm
- Publication Date: 28 Jul 1988
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Paperback
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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.
David Nicolle PhD worked in the BBC Arabic Service, gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies and a PhD from Edinburgh University. For some years he taught art and architectural history at Yarmuk University, Jordan. David has written many Osprey titles, including MAA 140 Armies of the Ottoman Turks, MAA 320 Armies of the Caliphates 862–1098, and Campaign 43 Fornovo 1495.
Angus McBride was one of the world's most respected historical illustrators, and contributed to over 100 Osprey titles over several decades.
