The Reconquest of Spain AKA The Reconquista

The Reconquest of Spain AKA The Reconquista

By Tytus Smith, Age 11

It was 722 A.D., and the Moors had control of two-thirds of Spain. It was called Al-Andalus. The Spanish Christians had run to Northern Spain, so they did not have to deal with persecution from the Moors. Don Pelayo and his Spanish soldiers fought the Moors at the Battle of Covadonga. It was the first Hispania victory since 711. Covadonga happened at Picos de Europa. 

After the victory, more Christian victories occurred. The Templars and the Crusaders came and helped the Spanish forces take back the land. The Muslims called for help from North Africa. The Muslim reinforcements pushed the Christians back tacking over Valencia. The Christians asked for help from the banished Rodrigo who took four thousand of his knights and retook the castle, Valencia. This was not the last Christian victory, the Templars and Spanish pushed back the moors until they only held Granada which would later be taken over by Ferdinand and Isabell the king and queen of Spain.

Templar Armor/ Crusader Armor

Helmets-

Probably the Templar helm and pig-snout, barrel helm, and things of that sort. For the Templar Men-At-Arms nasal helms and some full-face helmets.

Body Armor-

There were probably lots of knights with full-body chainmail, and some with plate armor.

Tunics-

White tunics with black and maybe red crosses on them.

Weapons-

Swords with a finger guard made the sword look like a cross. Long spears and some one-handed axes along with two-handed axes. The men-at-arms or more properly known as Templar sergeants had the same weapons along with bows and crossbows. There were probably maces.


Spanish Armor

Helmets-

Pig-snout and helmets much like the crusader helmets.

Body Armor-

Chainmail and plate armor.

Tunics-

Anything from blue to orange or both mixed in some sort of pattern.

Weapons-

Same as the Templars.


Moorish Armor

Helmets-

Lots of turbans and Moorish pointed helmets

Body Armor-

Plate armor and thick tunics.

Tunics-

Thick and any color.

Weapons-

Spears, swords, longbows, and maces.

Information is taken from:  
Britannica
The Story of the World Volume Two
Real Crusader History