1169 A.D. – In the Iberian Peninsula the Reconquista is in full swing, with the northern Christian kingdoms pressing the southern Muslin Taifas in the direction of the Mediterranean. It was a race, especially between Portugal, Leon and Castile, to obtain as much territory as possible.
This year Afonso Henriques (Afonso I of Portugal) laid siege to the city of Badajoz still in Muslim hands. This city had been agreed between the Kings of Leon and Castile in the Treaty of Sahagún to be in Leon’s area of expansion. When the siege was finally ending with the victory for the Portuguese (the last Muslin forces were entrenched in the inner ”Alcáçova” of the city), Fernando of León attacked the Portuguese forces within the cities streets.
Afonso of Portugal decided that he could not win against both the Leonese and the Muslin Defenders and thus tried to retreat. When trying to flee the city riding his horse he was injured at one of the cities gates and was imprisoned by the Leonese king.
Fernando of Leon, Afonso Henrique’s sun-in-law, treated the Portuguese King with respect and generosity and allowed him to go free back to his Kingdom after signing a peace agreement by which Afonso Henriques returned several cities he had conquered from Leon: Cáceres, Badajoz, Trujillo, Santa Cruz, Monfrague, Montánchez. This basically defined the Portuguese/Spanish border line that subsists to this day – it is the most fixed ancient border line in Europe apart from some small adjustments like Olivença.
POD: Afonso Henriques instead of retreating decides to face the Leonese army. This could have two outcomes: the Portuguese are defeated (most likely outcome because they were outnumbered) or win the ensuing struggle. A Portuguese defeat, with Afonso Henriques being captured in perfect health or only lightly wounded, would almost surely preserve the TL as we know it. So in order to have a real divergence the outcome will not only be a Portuguese victory, but also Fernando of León dies in the battle at the hands of his own father-in-law who, blinded by the rage caused by the treason of his daughters husband, leads his men to victory, first against the Leonese and, finally against the defending Moorish garrison.
So now we not only have the city of Badajoz, and surrounding region, in the hands of the Portuguese king but also the cities and regions that in out TL were returned by Portugal to León remain with Afonso Henriques. More importantly, though, is the death of the Leonese king, Fernando.
So, what happens now? What will happen to the Leonese crown? Will Afonso Henriques, contrary to our TL, continue his conquests?
This year Afonso Henriques (Afonso I of Portugal) laid siege to the city of Badajoz still in Muslim hands. This city had been agreed between the Kings of Leon and Castile in the Treaty of Sahagún to be in Leon’s area of expansion. When the siege was finally ending with the victory for the Portuguese (the last Muslin forces were entrenched in the inner ”Alcáçova” of the city), Fernando of León attacked the Portuguese forces within the cities streets.
Afonso of Portugal decided that he could not win against both the Leonese and the Muslin Defenders and thus tried to retreat. When trying to flee the city riding his horse he was injured at one of the cities gates and was imprisoned by the Leonese king.
Fernando of Leon, Afonso Henrique’s sun-in-law, treated the Portuguese King with respect and generosity and allowed him to go free back to his Kingdom after signing a peace agreement by which Afonso Henriques returned several cities he had conquered from Leon: Cáceres, Badajoz, Trujillo, Santa Cruz, Monfrague, Montánchez. This basically defined the Portuguese/Spanish border line that subsists to this day – it is the most fixed ancient border line in Europe apart from some small adjustments like Olivença.
POD: Afonso Henriques instead of retreating decides to face the Leonese army. This could have two outcomes: the Portuguese are defeated (most likely outcome because they were outnumbered) or win the ensuing struggle. A Portuguese defeat, with Afonso Henriques being captured in perfect health or only lightly wounded, would almost surely preserve the TL as we know it. So in order to have a real divergence the outcome will not only be a Portuguese victory, but also Fernando of León dies in the battle at the hands of his own father-in-law who, blinded by the rage caused by the treason of his daughters husband, leads his men to victory, first against the Leonese and, finally against the defending Moorish garrison.
So now we not only have the city of Badajoz, and surrounding region, in the hands of the Portuguese king but also the cities and regions that in out TL were returned by Portugal to León remain with Afonso Henriques. More importantly, though, is the death of the Leonese king, Fernando.
So, what happens now? What will happen to the Leonese crown? Will Afonso Henriques, contrary to our TL, continue his conquests?