Almohad Caliphate

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

As the Almohad army grew to use more and more Sahelian African slaves to supplement their armies (from the region that is now Mali and Mauritania), they eventually began to pad out their personal bodyguards with crack squads of Black slave-soldiers. Ibn Tumart dubbed one of these groups the 'Abid al Makhzan', or "The Servants of the Government", recorded serving until 1266, the tail end of the Almohads.Their most famous action was in Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, where they fought to the death defending Caliph Muhammad an-Nasir's tent against the charge of Antso VII of Navarre. The Hafsids also retained the Janawa (Guinea) black guards, dressed in white robes and spears with silk pennons

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

'Abid refers in this period, to black slave-soldiers, drawn up from the semi-sedentary tribes of the interior. They were poorly equipped and yet, intensely loyal. Some would graduate to the ranks of elite bodyguards for powerful leaders but most fought and died as press-ganged troops whipped up in massive numbers simply to bloat the size of the army.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Archaic ranged weapons still served a place in the rural and conservative Maghreb, even more so in the kingdoms south of them. Sahelian African javelinmen formed a cheap and reliable component of the large armies Almohad Caliphs would squeeze out of the black communities to the south.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

They represented the Arab Badawi settlers of the Banu Hilal, Banu Sulaym, and Banu Maqil, famous for their devastating invasion and migration to the Maghrib. Rebellious and unruly, they often clash with the local Berber governments such as the Almohads and Marinids. They were quickly integrated in the army so as to keep them occupied and controlled. During the rule of Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, the military value of the Arabs was reflected in their salaries which were higher than those of other troops in the Almohad army. Here, they are represented as light lancers, as Arabs prefers the lance compared to the Berbers who prefers the Javelins and the Turks with the bows. (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 174-175; Amar Salem Baadj, The Struggle for North Africa between Almohads, Ayyubids, and Banū Ghāniya: Late Twelfth to Early Thirteenth Centuries A.D (University of Toronto, 2013) p. 110; Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.24; Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

They represented the Arab Badawi settlers of the Banu Hilal, Banu Sulaym, and Banu Maqil, famous for their devastating invasion and migration to the Maghrib. Rebellious and unruly, they often clash with the local Berber governments such as the Almohads and Marinids. They were quickly integrated in the army so as to keep them occupied and controlled. During the rule of Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, the military value of the Arabs was reflected in their salaries which were higher than those of other troops in the Almohad army. Here, they are represented as light lancers, as Arabs prefers the lance compared to the Berbers who prefers the Javelins and the Turks with the bows. (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 174-175; Amar Salem Baadj, The Struggle for North Africa between Almohads, Ayyubids, and Banū Ghāniya: Late Twelfth to Early Thirteenth Centuries A.D (University of Toronto, 2013) p. 110; Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.24; Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Described in period military texts as the "Corps of Berber" this would have been the very same light cavalry that plagued Christian armies for centuries (spurring them to use their own Moorish mercenaries as the first Jinetes to counter it). Berbers prided their skills with the lance and javelin, and wore little to no armor - preferring the light hide shield known as the Adarga instead.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Described in period military texts as the "Corps of Berber" this would have been the very same light cavalry that plagued Christian armies for centuries (spurring them to use their own Moorish mercenaries as the first Jinetes to counter it). Berbers prided their skills with the lance and javelin, and wore little to no armor - preferring the light hide shield known as the Adarga instead.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

Over the course of the Middle Ages, from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, thousands of Christian soldiers from the Iberian Peninsula traversed the Mediterranean to serve in the armies and courts of Muslim rulers in al-Andalus and North Africa. Not only did the use of Christian soldiers by these Islamic kingdoms span a period of centuries, the practice is also well documented in both Latin and Arabic sources. According to al-Umari in the 14th century, the Marinid army employed 4000 Franks. Ibn Khaldun recorded that Maghribi realms employ Christian Foreign Legions as an anchor to their battle lines, to hold firm in close formation as a place for the roaming hit-and-run Maghribi cavalry can retreat into safety. The Maghribi realms does this because even if this means employing infidels, Europeans were the best people they know of for close-rank fighting in formation. However, they were best used for Muslim vs Muslim wars; not in wars against Christians because they might defect! (Abd Ar Rahman bin Muhammad ibn Khaldun, ‘Al-Muqaddimah’ Chapter III, Section 35 on Wars and the methods of waging war practiced by the various nations) (Globalization of Knowledge in the Post-Antique Mediterranean, 700–1500, p. 102; Maya Shatzmiller, 'Marīnid Fez: The Economic Background of the ‘Quest for Empire’ (2008) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Ghuzat are the west Islamic analog of the Ghazi fanatics well-known in the Near East. They were infamous for their rowdy and villainous behavior, so much so the conditions of one captured city in Morocco upon conquest was that no Ghazi were to be stationed within the city after occupation.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

Horse Archery were not a tradition of the Berbers, therefore Maghrebi rulers would rather contract Turkish mercenaries for the role. Called Ghuzziyyun or Aghzaz in the Maghrib, after the Oghuz people, they appeared in the Maghrib around 1172, and the Almohads formed an unit of them in 1188. The original Ghuzz corps also included Kurds, as they were the remnants of Sharafuddin Qaraqush' Ayyubid expedition to Ifriqiya, which the Almohads defeated. According to Abdal Wahid al-Marrakushi, Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the third Almohad Caliph liked them so much they were paid monthly instead of triannually of other Murtaziqa. The 14th Century Marinid army had 1500 arrow-shooting cavalry of the Ghuzz according to al-Umari.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The ḥuffāẓ, literally “Guardians” were recruited childrens of tribal leaders who were trained in reformed system of Islamic law and government instituted under the first Almohad Caliphs. They also learned horseback riding, archery and swimming. ‘Abd al-Mu’min, the first caliph and founder of the Mu’minid dynasty of the Almohad Empire sought to form an elite capable of assuming all functions of administration, military and naval. He replaced the old Almohad shaykh with the huffaz. According to Pascal Buresi and Mehdi Ghouirgate, this educational system may have been inspired by Plato's Book V of the Republic. The ruling Almohads aristocracy wore characteristic costumes that allowed them to stand out from the mass of the governed. Its was so distinctive, al-Badisi once mistaken a sufi for an Almohad: “He wore a green woolen tunic, a woolen cloak of Tlemcen, a white turban and tayfiyya sandals, so that anyone who saw him mistook him for one of the Ḥuffāẓ of the Almohads. " Even in a port of secondary importance, such as Bādis, the Almohads were immediately recognizable by their uniform. In the Almohad navy, each ship was commanded by either a Talaba or a Hafiz(Sources thanks to Huriale : Pascal Buresi , L'organisation du pouvoir politique almohade., Pour Une Chronologie de L’organisation Politique de L’empire, La mise en place du système dynastique. Pp. 108-109; Pascal Buresi, Mehdi Ghouirgate, Histoire du Maghreb médiéval: XIe-XVe siècle; Mehdi Ghouirgate, “L’Ordre almohade (1120-1269)”. Une nouvelle lecture anthropologique, Toulouse, Presses universitaires du Mirail, 2014; Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib".)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Mushud were short-term levies drawn up for individual campaigns, most likely drawn from the Masmuda Berber tribes who lived in the Atlas mountains of Central Morocco. They formed a strong defensive line during battle and aided in the creation of the impenetrable spear-walls the Almohads became famous for.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

The Mushud were short-term levies drawn up for individual campaigns, most likely drawn from the Masmuda Berber tribes who lived in the Atlas mountains of Central Morocco. They formed a strong defensive line during battle and aided in the creation of the impenetrable spear-walls the Almohads became famous for.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

Over the course of the Middle Ages, from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, thousands of Christian soldiers from the Iberian Peninsula traversed the Mediterranean to serve in the armies and courts of Muslim rulers in al-Andalus and North Africa. Not only did the use of Christian soldiers by these Islamic kingdoms span a period of centuries, the practice is also well documented in both Latin and Arabic sources. According to al-Umari in the 14th century, the Marinid army employed 4000 Franks. Ibn Khaldun recorded that Maghribi realms employ Christian Foreign Legions as an anchor to their battle lines, to hold firm in close formation as a place for the roaming hit-and-run Maghribi cavalry can retreat into safety. The Maghribi realms does this because even if this means employing infidels, Europeans were the best people they know of for close-rank fighting in formation. However, they were best used for Muslim vs Muslim wars; not in wars against Christians because they might defect! (Abd Ar Rahman bin Muhammad ibn Khaldun, ‘Al-Muqaddimah’ Chapter III, Section 35 on Wars and the methods of waging war practiced by the various nations) (Globalization of Knowledge in the Post-Antique Mediterranean, 700–1500, p. 102; Maya Shatzmiller, 'Marīnid Fez: The Economic Background of the ‘Quest for Empire’ (2008) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

They represented the Arab Badawi settlers of the Banu Hilal, Banu Sulaym, and Banu Maqil, famous for their devastating invasion and migration to the Maghrib. Rebellious and unruly, they often clash with the local Berber governments such as the Almohads and Marinids. They were quickly integrated in the army so as to keep them occupied and controlled. During the rule of Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, the military value of the Arabs was reflected in their salaries which were higher than those of other troops in the Almohad army. Here, they are represented as light lancers, as Arabs prefers the lance compared to the Berbers who prefers the Javelins and the Turks with the bows. (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 174-175; Amar Salem Baadj, The Struggle for North Africa between Almohads, Ayyubids, and Banū Ghāniya: Late Twelfth to Early Thirteenth Centuries A.D (University of Toronto, 2013) p. 110; Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.24; Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Murtaziqa were full-time enlisted soldier, given rizq (wage).The term Murtaziqa may mean common mercenary in modern Arabic parlance with all of its connotations, but in the specific context of Medieval Maghrib administration it means any regularly paid soldiers. Under Almohads, the Murtaziqa were paid 3 times per year, and 4 under the Hafsids. (Dominique Sourdel, Jacinto Bosch Vilá 'Regierung und Verwaltung des vorderen Orients in islamischer Zeit: Teil 2, Volume 2' (Brill, 1979) pp. 139;

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

The Murtaziqa were full-time enlisted soldier, given rizq (wage).The term Murtaziqa may mean common mercenary in modern Arabic parlance with all of its connotations, but in the specific context of Medieval Maghrib administration it means any regularly paid soldiers. Under Almohads, the Murtaziqa were paid 3 times per year, and 4 under the Hafsids. (Dominique Sourdel, Jacinto Bosch Vilá 'Regierung und Verwaltung des vorderen Orients in islamischer Zeit: Teil 2, Volume 2' (Brill, 1979) pp. 139;

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Berbers did not embrace ranged weapons as much as other Islamic peoples did, but they were able to use bows when the occasion required it.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Capable of both Melee and Ranged fighting

Description

The tribes of the Maghreb were of varying ethnicity and nearly as many lifestyles. Tribes such as the Masmuda, Sanhaja, Masuka and Zenata Berbers provided a ample base of ready manpower for the campaigns into Iberia.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Abid al-Makhzan, being the close guards of the Caliphs or Sultan, is not a lowly position. As a slave soldier, they enjoy roughly the same status, power, and social standing similar to Mamluks of the Mashriq. They also serve as cavalry, and mounted black soldiers can be seen in medieval depictions

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Murabitun means those who man the ribat, the frontier forts of Dar-ul-Islam, the Realm of Islam. They were commonly voluntary Mutatawwi'a and Mujahidun devoted religiously to fight as holy warriors fi-sabilillah, in the cause of Allah. The military activity the Murabitun carry out could be active, but generally was more defensive rather than offensive. Having few horses, the Murabitun of the deep Sahara and the Atlas Mountains fought as camel mounted infantry, dismounting into spearwall formation supported by javelins. TThis infantry phalanx serves as safe haven which the hit-and-run Northern Maghrebi cavalry can retreat behind.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

From Almohad Taqdim ("Appointments"), provincial military commanders were called Qa'id (pl. Quwwad) - Armies were commanded by Qa'id al-'Asakir or al-'Askar or Ajnad, and Navy by Qa'id 'ala-l-Ustul (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 171)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

From Almohad Taqdim ("Appointments"), provincial military commanders were called Qa'id (pl. Quwwad) - Armies were commanded by Qa'id al-'Asakir or al-'Askar or Ajnad, and Navy by Qa'id 'ala-l-Ustul (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 171)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Shaykh al-Ghuzat al-Maghariba was the office of North African shaykhs that serves as liaison between the Nasrid Emirate and the Ghuzat volunteers of North Africa. In battle, they lead the best mounted Ghuzat the Nasrids employed. This line of unit are made to represent those small well-armed noble retinues which accompany their lords to battle. Armoured troops were rare in the Maghreb, as Ibnu Said stated, "only the noble and influential possesses maille coats". For military service, The Al-Muwahidun revived the Al-Murabitun practice of Iqta'at grants plus tax exemption and monetary benefices to tribal Shaykhs and their retinues as a return. In the Maghrib, the iqta'at is more commonly known by the term Asham (pl. Sahm).

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

This line of unit are made to represent those small well-armed noble retinues which accompany their lords to battle. Armoured troops were rare in the Maghreb, as Ibnu Said stated, "only the noble and influential possesses maille coats". For military service, The Al-Muwahidun revived the Al-Murabitun practice of Iqta'at grants plus tax exemption and monetary benefices to tribal Shaykhs and their retinues as a return. In the Maghrib, the iqta'at is more commonly known by the term Asham (pl. Sahm).

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Sling remained popular in the Maghreb long after it had fallen by the wayside in other kingdoms. Its use by native Berber peoples was transmitted into Al-Andalus where it remained in use as a effective weapon well into the 1400s.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition of the Faction
• Cheaper to field for the faction

Description

The Tuareg are fierce and independent camel herding nomads from the Sahara. Tuareg men wear a distinctive blue or indigo veil that covers most of their face. These hardy spearmen are well used to riding camels and make excellent desert cavalry.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Crossbowmen on horseback are recorded in several Andalusian sources, but never in relation to Maghrebi Berbers - indicating a strongly regional sense of taste regarding the weapons use. Its use is attested by Ibn al-Labbana and Ibn Hudayl. Many Granadine mounted crossbowmen can be seen depicted in the El Partal Fresco of Alhambra. Andalusians also served on North African armies with their Crossbow - The Marinid army employed 200 Andalusi Mounted Crossbowmen in their ranks. ((Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 45; Ian Heath, Armies of The Middle Ages: Volume 1 (Wargames Research Group, 1982) p. 135; David Nicolle, Man-At-Arms 348: The Moors 7th-15th Century (Osprey, 2001) p. 35)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Crossbow were so popular in Andalusia since the 11th century, Ibn Said al-Maghribi stated that crossbow was the common Andalusian's foot soldiers' equipment. Ibn al-Khatib in the 14th century claimed that Crossbow were more widely used in Andalusia than traditional Arabic hand bows. Hernando de Pulgar, the royal historian of Castille in the late 15th century praised the Granadine's skill with the weapon, saying that they trained since childhood. Crossbow shooting clubs can be found in every Andalusian cities, providing ready reserves of crossbowmen for the last line of defense of Granada.Well-armored foot crossbowmen with scale and helmets, some behind mantlets or tower shields, appear in many depictions of sieges in Al-Andalus.(Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.106-107; Ian Heath, Armies of The Middle Ages: Volume 1 (Wargames Research Group, 1982) p. 135)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The mozarabs, or the Christian inhabitants of Islamic Andalusia had gradually become more and more culturally distinct from their pre-Islamic ancestors, to the point where they oftentimes appeared to be more similar to their Berber and Arab rulers than the native Iberian kingdoms to the north.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

These artillery pieces resemble giant crossbows, on a simple wheeled carriage. They can hurl javelins with great accuracy, and the power of these machines means that their bolts can pierce any armour.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

These artillery pieces resemble giant crossbows, on a simple wheeled carriage. They can hurl javelins with great accuracy, and the power of these machines means that their bolts can pierce any armour.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Constructed of wood and capable of flinging stones large enough to crush a man's head, the catapult was a common site on the ancient Roman battlefield. Now in the medieval era, the catapult is being replaced by newer and more powerful weapons.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Constructed of wood and capable of flinging stones large enough to crush a man's head, the catapult was a common site on the ancient Roman battlefield. Now in the medieval era, the catapult is being replaced by newer and more powerful weapons.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The counter-weight Trebuchet is an evolution of the man-powered mangonel and catapults dating back before the 11th century. It has quickly spread throughout the world as an effective siege engine capable of lobbing large wall- crushing boulders.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

As the Almohad army grew to use more and more Sahelian African slaves to supplement their armies (from the region that is now Mali and Mauritania), they eventually began to pad out their personal bodyguards with crack squads of Black slave-soldiers. Ibn Tumart dubbed one of these groups the 'Abid al Makhzan', or "The Servants of the Government", recorded serving until 1266, the tail end of the Almohads.Their most famous action was in Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, where they fought to the death defending Caliph Muhammad an-Nasir's tent against the charge of Antso VII of Navarre. The Hafsids also retained the Janawa (Guinea) black guards, dressed in white robes and spears with silk pennons

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

They represented the Arab Badawi settlers of the Banu Hilal, Banu Sulaym, and Banu Maqil, famous for their devastating invasion and migration to the Maghrib. Rebellious and unruly, they often clash with the local Berber governments such as the Almohads and Marinids. They were quickly integrated in the army so as to keep them occupied and controlled. During the rule of Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, the military value of the Arabs was reflected in their salaries which were higher than those of other troops in the Almohad army. Here, they are represented as light lancers, as Arabs prefers the lance compared to the Berbers who prefers the Javelins and the Turks with the bows. (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 174-175; Amar Salem Baadj, The Struggle for North Africa between Almohads, Ayyubids, and Banū Ghāniya: Late Twelfth to Early Thirteenth Centuries A.D (University of Toronto, 2013) p. 110; Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.24; Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

They represented the Arab Badawi settlers of the Banu Hilal, Banu Sulaym, and Banu Maqil, famous for their devastating invasion and migration to the Maghrib. Rebellious and unruly, they often clash with the local Berber governments such as the Almohads and Marinids. They were quickly integrated in the army so as to keep them occupied and controlled. During the rule of Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, the military value of the Arabs was reflected in their salaries which were higher than those of other troops in the Almohad army. Here, they are represented as light lancers, as Arabs prefers the lance compared to the Berbers who prefers the Javelins and the Turks with the bows. (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 174-175; Amar Salem Baadj, The Struggle for North Africa between Almohads, Ayyubids, and Banū Ghāniya: Late Twelfth to Early Thirteenth Centuries A.D (University of Toronto, 2013) p. 110; Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.24; Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Described in period military texts as the "Corps of Berber" this would have been the very same light cavalry that plagued Christian armies for centuries (spurring them to use their own Moorish mercenaries as the first Jinetes to counter it). Berbers prided their skills with the lance and javelin, and wore little to no armor - preferring the light hide shield known as the Adarga instead.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Described in period military texts as the "Corps of Berber" this would have been the very same light cavalry that plagued Christian armies for centuries (spurring them to use their own Moorish mercenaries as the first Jinetes to counter it). Berbers prided their skills with the lance and javelin, and wore little to no armor - preferring the light hide shield known as the Adarga instead.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

Over the course of the Middle Ages, from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, thousands of Christian soldiers from the Iberian Peninsula traversed the Mediterranean to serve in the armies and courts of Muslim rulers in al-Andalus and North Africa. Not only did the use of Christian soldiers by these Islamic kingdoms span a period of centuries, the practice is also well documented in both Latin and Arabic sources. According to al-Umari in the 14th century, the Marinid army employed 4000 Franks. Ibn Khaldun recorded that Maghribi realms employ Christian Foreign Legions as an anchor to their battle lines, to hold firm in close formation as a place for the roaming hit-and-run Maghribi cavalry can retreat into safety. The Maghribi realms does this because even if this means employing infidels, Europeans were the best people they know of for close-rank fighting in formation. However, they were best used for Muslim vs Muslim wars; not in wars against Christians because they might defect! (Abd Ar Rahman bin Muhammad ibn Khaldun, ‘Al-Muqaddimah’ Chapter III, Section 35 on Wars and the methods of waging war practiced by the various nations) (Globalization of Knowledge in the Post-Antique Mediterranean, 700–1500, p. 102; Maya Shatzmiller, 'Marīnid Fez: The Economic Background of the ‘Quest for Empire’ (2008) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Ghuzat are the west Islamic analog of the Ghazi fanatics well-known in the Near East. They were infamous for their rowdy and villainous behavior, so much so the conditions of one captured city in Morocco upon conquest was that no Ghazi were to be stationed within the city after occupation.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

Horse Archery were not a tradition of the Berbers, therefore Maghrebi rulers would rather contract Turkish mercenaries for the role. Called Ghuzziyyun or Aghzaz in the Maghrib, after the Oghuz people, they appeared in the Maghrib around 1172, and the Almohads formed an unit of them in 1188. The original Ghuzz corps also included Kurds, as they were the remnants of Sharafuddin Qaraqush' Ayyubid expedition to Ifriqiya, which the Almohads defeated. According to Abdal Wahid al-Marrakushi, Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the third Almohad Caliph liked them so much they were paid monthly instead of triannually of other Murtaziqa. The 14th Century Marinid army had 1500 arrow-shooting cavalry of the Ghuzz according to al-Umari.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Mushud were short-term levies drawn up for individual campaigns, most likely drawn from the Masmuda Berber tribes who lived in the Atlas mountains of Central Morocco. They formed a strong defensive line during battle and aided in the creation of the impenetrable spear-walls the Almohads became famous for.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

The Mushud were short-term levies drawn up for individual campaigns, most likely drawn from the Masmuda Berber tribes who lived in the Atlas mountains of Central Morocco. They formed a strong defensive line during battle and aided in the creation of the impenetrable spear-walls the Almohads became famous for.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

Over the course of the Middle Ages, from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, thousands of Christian soldiers from the Iberian Peninsula traversed the Mediterranean to serve in the armies and courts of Muslim rulers in al-Andalus and North Africa. Not only did the use of Christian soldiers by these Islamic kingdoms span a period of centuries, the practice is also well documented in both Latin and Arabic sources. According to al-Umari in the 14th century, the Marinid army employed 4000 Franks. Ibn Khaldun recorded that Maghribi realms employ Christian Foreign Legions as an anchor to their battle lines, to hold firm in close formation as a place for the roaming hit-and-run Maghribi cavalry can retreat into safety. The Maghribi realms does this because even if this means employing infidels, Europeans were the best people they know of for close-rank fighting in formation. However, they were best used for Muslim vs Muslim wars; not in wars against Christians because they might defect! (Abd Ar Rahman bin Muhammad ibn Khaldun, ‘Al-Muqaddimah’ Chapter III, Section 35 on Wars and the methods of waging war practiced by the various nations) (Globalization of Knowledge in the Post-Antique Mediterranean, 700–1500, p. 102; Maya Shatzmiller, 'Marīnid Fez: The Economic Background of the ‘Quest for Empire’ (2008) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

They represented the Arab Badawi settlers of the Banu Hilal, Banu Sulaym, and Banu Maqil, famous for their devastating invasion and migration to the Maghrib. Rebellious and unruly, they often clash with the local Berber governments such as the Almohads and Marinids. They were quickly integrated in the army so as to keep them occupied and controlled. During the rule of Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, the military value of the Arabs was reflected in their salaries which were higher than those of other troops in the Almohad army. Here, they are represented as light lancers, as Arabs prefers the lance compared to the Berbers who prefers the Javelins and the Turks with the bows. (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 174-175; Amar Salem Baadj, The Struggle for North Africa between Almohads, Ayyubids, and Banū Ghāniya: Late Twelfth to Early Thirteenth Centuries A.D (University of Toronto, 2013) p. 110; Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.24; Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Murtaziqa were full-time enlisted soldier, given rizq (wage).The term Murtaziqa may mean common mercenary in modern Arabic parlance with all of its connotations, but in the specific context of Medieval Maghrib administration it means any regularly paid soldiers. Under Almohads, the Murtaziqa were paid 3 times per year, and 4 under the Hafsids. (Dominique Sourdel, Jacinto Bosch Vilá 'Regierung und Verwaltung des vorderen Orients in islamischer Zeit: Teil 2, Volume 2' (Brill, 1979) pp. 139;

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

Andalusians immigrated en-masse to North Africa during the Reconquista. The continual flow rose to its highest levels during the first half of the thirteenth century and at the end of the fifteenth. They settled especially in the ports and cities constituted coherent groups whose members pursued diverse activities from top to bottom of the social scale; amongst others scholars, administrators, lawyers, craftsmen, and soldiers. The learned Andalusians urbanites were especially seen as sophisticated and civilized, and North African sultan frequently chose their favourites from among them. Those who served as soldiers brought their style of fighting, and the more well-off of them would be able to afford armour. It is said that the Marinid army had 2000 Andalusi, al-Umari in the 14th century wrote that 1000 amongst them Crossbowmen (DT Niane, 'General history of Africa, IV: Africa from the twelfth to the sixteenth century'; (UNESCO, 1989) pp. 109; Maya Shatzmiller, 'Marīnid Fez: The Economic Background of the ‘Quest for Empire’ (2008) p. 14; Abd al Haqq al Marini, Al Jaysh al Maghribi 'Abra al Tarikh, (Dar Nashr al Maarfa, 1997) Translated by Skyblitz)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Berbers did not embrace ranged weapons as much as other Islamic peoples did, but they were able to use bows when the occasion required it.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Capable of both Melee and Ranged fighting

Description

The tribes of the Maghreb were of varying ethnicity and nearly as many lifestyles. Tribes such as the Masmuda, Sanhaja, Masuka and Zenata Berbers provided a ample base of ready manpower for the campaigns into Iberia.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Murabitun means those who man the ribat, the frontier forts of Dar-ul-Islam, the Realm of Islam. They were commonly voluntary Mutatawwi'a and Mujahidun devoted religiously to fight as holy warriors fi-sabilillah, in the cause of Allah. The military activity the Murabitun carry out could be active, but generally was more defensive rather than offensive. Having few horses, the Murabitun of the deep Sahara and the Atlas Mountains fought as camel mounted infantry, dismounting into spearwall formation supported by javelins. TThis infantry phalanx serves as safe haven which the hit-and-run Northern Maghrebi cavalry can retreat behind.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

From Almohad Taqdim ("Appointments"), provincial military commanders were called Qa'id (pl. Quwwad) - Armies were commanded by Qa'id al-'Asakir or al-'Askar or Ajnad, and Navy by Qa'id 'ala-l-Ustul (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 171)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

From Almohad Taqdim ("Appointments"), provincial military commanders were called Qa'id (pl. Quwwad) - Armies were commanded by Qa'id al-'Asakir or al-'Askar or Ajnad, and Navy by Qa'id 'ala-l-Ustul (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 171)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Shaykh al-Ghuzat al-Maghariba was the office of North African shaykhs that serves as liaison between the Nasrid Emirate and the Ghuzat volunteers of North Africa. In battle, they lead the best mounted Ghuzat the Nasrids employed. This line of unit are made to represent those small well-armed noble retinues which accompany their lords to battle. Armoured troops were rare in the Maghreb, as Ibnu Said stated, "only the noble and influential possesses maille coats". For military service, The Al-Muwahidun revived the Al-Murabitun practice of Iqta'at grants plus tax exemption and monetary benefices to tribal Shaykhs and their retinues as a return. In the Maghrib, the iqta'at is more commonly known by the term Asham (pl. Sahm).

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

This line of unit are made to represent those small well-armed noble retinues which accompany their lords to battle. Armoured troops were rare in the Maghreb, as Ibnu Said stated, "only the noble and influential possesses maille coats". For military service, The Al-Muwahidun revived the Al-Murabitun practice of Iqta'at grants plus tax exemption and monetary benefices to tribal Shaykhs and their retinues as a return. In the Maghrib, the iqta'at is more commonly known by the term Asham (pl. Sahm).

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition of the Faction
• Cheaper to field for the faction

Description

The Tuareg are fierce and independent camel herding nomads from the Sahara. Tuareg men wear a distinctive blue or indigo veil that covers most of their face. These hardy spearmen are well used to riding camels and make excellent desert cavalry.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

Ibn Khaldun recorded that Maghribi realms employ Christian Foreign Legions as an anchor to their battle lines, to hold firm in close formation as a place for the roaming hit-and-run Maghribi cavalry can retreat into safety. The Maghribi realms does this because even if this means employing infidels, Europeans were the best people they know of for close-rank fighting in formation. However, they were only used for Muslim vs Muslim wars; not in wars against Christians because they might defect! (Abd Ar Rahman bin Muhammad ibn Khaldun, ‘Al-Muqaddimah’ Chapter III, Section 35 on Wars and the methods of waging war practiced by the various nations) Over the course of the Middle Ages, from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, thousands of Christian soldiers from the Iberian Peninsula traversed the Mediterranean to serve in the armies and courts of Muslim rulers in al-Andalus and North Africa. Not only did the use of Christian soldiers by these Islamic kingdoms span a period of centuries, the practice is also well documented in both Latin and Arabic sources (Globalization of Knowledge in the Post-Antique Mediterranean, 700–1500, p. 102)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Crossbowmen on horseback are recorded in several Andalusian sources, but never in relation to Maghrebi Berbers - indicating a strongly regional sense of taste regarding the weapons use. Its use is attested by Ibn al-Labbana and Ibn Hudayl. Many Granadine mounted crossbowmen can be seen depicted in the El Partal Fresco of Alhambra. Andalusians also served on North African armies with their Crossbow - The Marinid army employed 200 Andalusi Mounted Crossbowmen in their ranks. ((Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 45; Ian Heath, Armies of The Middle Ages: Volume 1 (Wargames Research Group, 1982) p. 135; David Nicolle, Man-At-Arms 348: The Moors 7th-15th Century (Osprey, 2001) p. 35)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

The Marinids was one of the pioneers of early gunpowder weapons in the western hemisphere. Alat an-naft which fired using barud, shooting suyur min-nar, was used in the 1274 Siege of Sijilmasa. It was the Granadines who first used gunpowder weapons in the Hispanic Peninsula. According to Ibn al-Khatib, during reign of Isma‘il I an engine which work with substance that burns like naft were used to launch burning iron bullets at the siege of Huescar. Furthermore, Spanish sources tell that in the siege of Algeciras 1342-1344 the besieged Muslims threw large arrows and iron bullets using thunder against the Christians (Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 17-18, 43)Even though outnumbered and outproduced in gunpowder weapons by their Christian adversaries, the Granadine handgunners were skilled and resourceful. Their skill at Velez-Malaga, Ronda, Moclin, and Baza was praised by contemporary Spanish chroniclers. They even experimented deploying the gunners as dragoons - mounted on horses to quickly reposition and dismounting to shoot. (João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 45) (Weston F. Cook, Jr. 'The Cannon Conquest of Nasrid Spain and the End of the Reconquista' The Journal of Military History, Vol. 57, No. 1 (Jan., 1993), pp. 56)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Sling remained popular in the Maghreb long after it had fallen by the wayside in other kingdoms. Its use by native Berber peoples was transmitted into Al-Andalus where it remained in use as a effective weapon well into the 1400s.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Crossbow were so popular in Andalusia since the 11th century, Ibn Said al-Maghribi stated that crossbow was the common Andalusian's foot soldiers' equipment. Ibn al-Khatib in the 14th century claimed that Crossbow were more widely used in Andalusia than traditional Arabic hand bows. Hernando de Pulgar, the royal historian of Castille in the late 15th century praised the Granadine's skill with the weapon, saying that they trained since childhood. Crossbow shooting clubs can be found in every Andalusian cities, providing ready reserves of crossbowmen for the last line of defense of Granada.Well-armored foot crossbowmen with scale and helmets, some behind mantlets or tower shields, appear in many depictions of sieges in Al-Andalus.(Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.106-107; Ian Heath, Armies of The Middle Ages: Volume 1 (Wargames Research Group, 1982) p. 135)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

The Maluyyun Guard of the Nasrid Emirs of Granada shared the same background as any foreign or slave guards in the Muslim realms of the Medieval Era: The need to have an elite cadre of guards free from political, familial, or tribal ties to factions that may oppose the monarch. This loyalty was boosted by the their separation from their families, from their native environment, and their religion from early age when they were more malleable to education. Instead of Turks or Circassian like the Mashriqi Mamluks, or Black Africans of the Abid al-Makhzan, the Maluyyun recruits come from Captives in wars or raids against Castille; or from European slaves, brought up as Muslims. The guard, either slave or free Christian foreign legion in nature, need to be differentiated from the Christian mercenary companies which were contracted temporarily.(Ana Echevarria, Knights on the Frontier: The Moorish Guard of the Kings of Castille 1410-1467 (Brill, 2009) p.88-94)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The first primitive gunpowder siege artillery, bombards were created in China and Western Europe in the early 14th century and spread to the rest of the world by the late 14th century. They are forged from bronze or iron, and designed to fire stone balls that crumble enemy defences.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

As the Almohad army grew to use more and more Sahelian African slaves to supplement their armies (from the region that is now Mali and Mauritania), they eventually began to pad out their personal bodyguards with crack squads of Black slave-soldiers. Ibn Tumart dubbed one of these groups the 'Abid al Makhzan', or "The Servants of the Government", recorded serving until 1266, the tail end of the Almohads.Their most famous action was in Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, where they fought to the death defending Caliph Muhammad an-Nasir's tent against the charge of Antso VII of Navarre. The Hafsids also retained the Janawa (Guinea) black guards, dressed in white robes and spears with silk pennons

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

They represented the Arab Badawi settlers of the Banu Hilal, Banu Sulaym, and Banu Maqil, famous for their devastating invasion and migration to the Maghrib. Rebellious and unruly, they often clash with the local Berber governments such as the Almohads and Marinids. They were quickly integrated in the army so as to keep them occupied and controlled. During the rule of Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, the military value of the Arabs was reflected in their salaries which were higher than those of other troops in the Almohad army. Here, they are represented as light lancers, as Arabs prefers the lance compared to the Berbers who prefers the Javelins and the Turks with the bows. (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 174-175; Amar Salem Baadj, The Struggle for North Africa between Almohads, Ayyubids, and Banū Ghāniya: Late Twelfth to Early Thirteenth Centuries A.D (University of Toronto, 2013) p. 110; Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.24; Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

They represented the Arab Badawi settlers of the Banu Hilal, Banu Sulaym, and Banu Maqil, famous for their devastating invasion and migration to the Maghrib. Rebellious and unruly, they often clash with the local Berber governments such as the Almohads and Marinids. They were quickly integrated in the army so as to keep them occupied and controlled. During the rule of Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, the military value of the Arabs was reflected in their salaries which were higher than those of other troops in the Almohad army. Here, they are represented as light lancers, as Arabs prefers the lance compared to the Berbers who prefers the Javelins and the Turks with the bows. (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 174-175; Amar Salem Baadj, The Struggle for North Africa between Almohads, Ayyubids, and Banū Ghāniya: Late Twelfth to Early Thirteenth Centuries A.D (University of Toronto, 2013) p. 110; Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.24; Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Described in period military texts as the "Corps of Berber" this would have been the very same light cavalry that plagued Christian armies for centuries (spurring them to use their own Moorish mercenaries as the first Jinetes to counter it). Berbers prided their skills with the lance and javelin, and wore little to no armor - preferring the light hide shield known as the Adarga instead.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Renowned Unit
• Superior Capability

Description

Described in period military texts as the "Corps of Berber" this would have been the very same light cavalry that plagued Christian armies for centuries (spurring them to use their own Moorish mercenaries as the first Jinetes to counter it). Berbers prided their skills with the lance and javelin, and wore little to no armor - preferring the light hide shield known as the Adarga instead.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

Over the course of the Middle Ages, from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, thousands of Christian soldiers from the Iberian Peninsula traversed the Mediterranean to serve in the armies and courts of Muslim rulers in al-Andalus and North Africa. Not only did the use of Christian soldiers by these Islamic kingdoms span a period of centuries, the practice is also well documented in both Latin and Arabic sources. According to al-Umari in the 14th century, the Marinid army employed 4000 Franks. Ibn Khaldun recorded that Maghribi realms employ Christian Foreign Legions as an anchor to their battle lines, to hold firm in close formation as a place for the roaming hit-and-run Maghribi cavalry can retreat into safety. The Maghribi realms does this because even if this means employing infidels, Europeans were the best people they know of for close-rank fighting in formation. However, they were best used for Muslim vs Muslim wars; not in wars against Christians because they might defect! (Abd Ar Rahman bin Muhammad ibn Khaldun, ‘Al-Muqaddimah’ Chapter III, Section 35 on Wars and the methods of waging war practiced by the various nations) (Globalization of Knowledge in the Post-Antique Mediterranean, 700–1500, p. 102; Maya Shatzmiller, 'Marīnid Fez: The Economic Background of the ‘Quest for Empire’ (2008) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Ghuzat are the west Islamic analog of the Ghazi fanatics well-known in the Near East. They were infamous for their rowdy and villainous behavior, so much so the conditions of one captured city in Morocco upon conquest was that no Ghazi were to be stationed within the city after occupation.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

Horse Archery were not a tradition of the Berbers, therefore Maghrebi rulers would rather contract Turkish mercenaries for the role. Called Ghuzziyyun or Aghzaz in the Maghrib, after the Oghuz people, they appeared in the Maghrib around 1172, and the Almohads formed an unit of them in 1188. The original Ghuzz corps also included Kurds, as they were the remnants of Sharafuddin Qaraqush' Ayyubid expedition to Ifriqiya, which the Almohads defeated. According to Abdal Wahid al-Marrakushi, Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the third Almohad Caliph liked them so much they were paid monthly instead of triannually of other Murtaziqa. The 14th Century Marinid army had 1500 arrow-shooting cavalry of the Ghuzz according to al-Umari.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

The Mushud were short-term levies drawn up for individual campaigns, most likely drawn from the Masmuda Berber tribes who lived in the Atlas mountains of Central Morocco. They formed a strong defensive line during battle and aided in the creation of the impenetrable spear-walls the Almohads became famous for.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Low-quality Missile Troops

Description

The Mushud were short-term levies drawn up for individual campaigns, most likely drawn from the Masmuda Berber tribes who lived in the Atlas mountains of Central Morocco. They formed a strong defensive line during battle and aided in the creation of the impenetrable spear-walls the Almohads became famous for.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

Over the course of the Middle Ages, from the eighth to the fifteenth centuries, thousands of Christian soldiers from the Iberian Peninsula traversed the Mediterranean to serve in the armies and courts of Muslim rulers in al-Andalus and North Africa. Not only did the use of Christian soldiers by these Islamic kingdoms span a period of centuries, the practice is also well documented in both Latin and Arabic sources. According to al-Umari in the 14th century, the Marinid army employed 4000 Franks. Ibn Khaldun recorded that Maghribi realms employ Christian Foreign Legions as an anchor to their battle lines, to hold firm in close formation as a place for the roaming hit-and-run Maghribi cavalry can retreat into safety. The Maghribi realms does this because even if this means employing infidels, Europeans were the best people they know of for close-rank fighting in formation. However, they were best used for Muslim vs Muslim wars; not in wars against Christians because they might defect! (Abd Ar Rahman bin Muhammad ibn Khaldun, ‘Al-Muqaddimah’ Chapter III, Section 35 on Wars and the methods of waging war practiced by the various nations) (Globalization of Knowledge in the Post-Antique Mediterranean, 700–1500, p. 102; Maya Shatzmiller, 'Marīnid Fez: The Economic Background of the ‘Quest for Empire’ (2008) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Rare
• Reduced Men per Unit
• Costly to Field

Description

They represented the Arab Badawi settlers of the Banu Hilal, Banu Sulaym, and Banu Maqil, famous for their devastating invasion and migration to the Maghrib. Rebellious and unruly, they often clash with the local Berber governments such as the Almohads and Marinids. They were quickly integrated in the army so as to keep them occupied and controlled. During the rule of Caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf, the military value of the Arabs was reflected in their salaries which were higher than those of other troops in the Almohad army. Here, they are represented as light lancers, as Arabs prefers the lance compared to the Berbers who prefers the Javelins and the Turks with the bows. (Pascal Buresi, Hicham El Aallaoui, Travis Bruce. Governing the Empire. Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269): Critical Edition, Translation, and Study of Manuscript 4752 of the asaniyya Library in Rabat Containing 77 Taqadim ("Appointments"). Brill, 3, pp.xxviii et 540, 2012, "Studies in the History and Society of the Maghrib". p. 174-175; Amar Salem Baadj, The Struggle for North Africa between Almohads, Ayyubids, and Banū Ghāniya: Late Twelfth to Early Thirteenth Centuries A.D (University of Toronto, 2013) p. 110; Ian Heath, Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300 (Wargames Research Group, 1989) p.24; Francisco García Fitz (ed.), João Gouveia Monteiro (ed.), War in the Iberian Peninsula, 700-1600 (Routledge, 2018) p. 14)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

The Murtaziqa were full-time enlisted soldier, given rizq (wage).The term Murtaziqa may mean common mercenary in modern Arabic parlance with all of its connotations, but in the specific context of Medieval Maghrib administration it means any regularly paid soldiers. Under Almohads, the Murtaziqa were paid 3 times per year, and 4 under the Hafsids. (Dominique Sourdel, Jacinto Bosch Vilá 'Regierung und Verwaltung des vorderen Orients in islamischer Zeit: Teil 2, Volume 2' (Brill, 1979) pp. 139;

Strengths & weaknesses

• Not the Tradition of the Faction
• Increased Cost

Description

Andalusians immigrated en-masse to North Africa during the Reconquista. The continual flow rose to its highest levels during the first half of the thirteenth century and at the end of the fifteenth. They settled especially in the ports and cities constituted coherent groups whose members pursued diverse activities from top to bottom of the social scale; amongst others scholars, administrators, lawyers, craftsmen, and soldiers. The learned Andalusians urbanites were especially seen as sophisticated and civilized, and North African sultan frequently chose their favourites from among them. Those who served as soldiers brought their style of fighting, and the more well-off of them would be able to afford armour. It is said that the Marinid army had 2000 Andalusi, al-Umari in the 14th century wrote that 1000 amongst them Crossbowmen (DT Niane, 'General history of Africa, IV: Africa from the twelfth to the sixteenth century'; (UNESCO, 1989) pp. 109; Maya Shatzmiller, 'Marīnid Fez: The Economic Background of the ‘Quest for Empire’ (2008) p. 14; Abd al Haqq al Marini, Al Jaysh al Maghribi 'Abra al Tarikh, (Dar Nashr al Maarfa, 1997) Translated by Skyblitz)

Strengths & weaknesses

• Ordinary Unit

Description

Berbers did not embrace ranged weapons as much as other Islamic peoples did, but they were able to use bows when the occasion required it.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Capable of both Melee and Ranged fighting

Description

The tribes of the Maghreb were of varying ethnicity and nearly as many lifestyles. Tribes such as the Masmuda, Sanhaja, Masuka and Zenata Berbers provided a ample base of ready manpower for the campaigns into Iberia.

Strengths & weaknesses

• Strong Tradition
• Easier to recruit due to Tradition

Description

Murabitun means those who man the ribat, the frontier forts of Dar-ul-Islam, the Realm of Islam. They were commonly voluntary Mutatawwi'a and Mujahidun devoted religiously to fight as holy warriors fi-sabilillah, in the cause of Allah. The military activity the Murabitun carry out could be active, but generally was more defensive rather than offensive. Having few horses, the Murabitun of the deep Sahara and the Atlas Mountains fought as camel mounted infantry, dismounting into spearwall formation supported by javelins. TThis infantry phalanx serves as safe haven which the hit-and-run Northern Maghrebi cavalry can retreat behind.