WI italians & french join the reconquista?

during the long decline of the muslim presence in Iberia, there were ample opportunities to take land from the infighting and relatively weak taifa states. What if the french and italians, seeing the success of the native Iberians, join in on the 'fun'?

could the italian city states and french dukes carve out 'colonies' in muslim Iberia? Also, if they start early enough and manage their holding well enough, could parts of iberia be concidered parts of the french and italian 'nations' when these concepts become relevent? Finally, if any italian city-state takes areas with an atlantic coast, could the decline of italian & mediterrenean trading and dominance be prevented or lessened?

Also, could we see more tolerance for muslims ITTL, or would the italian & french proximity to the papacy make the situation even worse for Iberian islam?
 
during the long decline of the muslim presence in Iberia, there were ample opportunities to take land from the infighting and relatively weak taifa states. What if the french and italians, seeing the success of the native Iberians, join in on the 'fun'?
There were many French knights who participated in the Reconquista. Any French nobleman who wanted to participate would probably have to swear fealty to one of the Spanish kings or to a holy order first. The King of France himself was in no position to rule an overseas colony. If he, or anyone else tried to pre-empt the Spanish and the Crusaders and establish his own independent fief, he'd probably be excommunicated.
 

Lusitania

Donor
There were many French knights who participated in the Reconquista. Any French nobleman who wanted to participate would probably have to swear fealty to one of the Spanish kings or to a holy order first. The King of France himself was in no position to rule an overseas colony. If he, or anyone else tried to pre-empt the Spanish and the Crusaders and establish his own independent fief, he'd probably be excommunicated.
Both the king of Portugal and Leon which eventually became part of Castile were French knights who fought in conquista.
 
France still is not really able to project power in the Mediterranean, nor has her secured her borders, by the time there's still something to grab.
Italian countries have no interest in direct control over many Muslims, in a place with okay wealth but far less trade flowing in, not to mention there'd be more need for actual land based defense.
Lastly, Aragon is a rising star and will oppose any and all attacks; it is so strong that in a few decades, it'd be the one to go on the offensive towards Italy and seize Sardinia.
 
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