The Battle of Toro 1476AD

[ZeaBed]

The battle of Toro 1476 AD was an indecisive military engagement that resulted in a decisive political victory for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. At the time of the War of the Castilian Succession (1475-1480?) Ferdinand had convoked the Holy Brotherhood (Santa Hermandad) in what was the beginning of a long process of "upgrading" the military of both Castile and Aragon, which were now to be united. By 1476 the elements had not yet 'jelled', however, and the doctrine and armament modernization (such as it was) were still in the nascent stage.

The battle-specific troop order and weapons doctrine for both sides in this scenario is sourced mainly from the following book:

La Batalla de Toro 1476, La Guerra de Sucesion Castellana, by Ruben Saez Abad, first ed., Almena Editores, Madrid 2009. It also contains illustrations and photographs of era artillery, armour, swords, firearms, personages, etc. The format resembles that of the Osprey battle series, for some reason. I had given up on designing new scenarios until a friend sent me the book. It's not definitive in itself, but I've been able to find so much information on this battle from different sources that I felt it would be a pity not to do at least one version of it. Or eventually, two. Or three.

Both the Spanish language wikipedia article La Batalla de Toro and its English version are also very useful in many details.

Edit: Version 2.1 added on 14 July 2014.


https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/405 ... 20v2.1.zip

[Micha63]

Thank you.

[ZeaBed]

I found some minor errors (each side had one Archbishop of Toledo ). Also found more information on the individual leaders and the type of units that they commanded. I'd also overlooked the bombard on the Portuguese side. The version is now 1.1., in the link on the first post.

[ZeaBed]

I've finished all the corrections, interminable as the task seemed to be. This is the most time I've spent with primary sources to clear up the contradictions in the secondary ones. Placement of units in relation to the other troops and those of the opposing side, correct assignment of unit type (there were more infantry and dismounted knights than usually portrayed in some descriptions), fuller and correct identification of leaders, breakdown of Portuguese artillery (a term which in some Spanish sources [artilleria] includes arquebusiers and espingardas, along with the zerbatanas (smaller bombards), etc.

The most difficult aspect was the curious mix of dismounted knights and spearmen units that was adopted by both sides in this battle. It seems one of the opponents adopted this formation (possibly the Portuguese & juanistas) and the Aragonese-Castilians simply mirrored it. The centers were preparing for a frontal fight, but apparently the Portuguese left had other ideas.

Positive factors is that in test play I found the scenario challenging and exciting for both sides and does not need, mirabile dictu, any house rule triggers for either realism or balance. Victory is achieved by either side with field 'strategery' and tactics. Of course, 'ymmv'. Everything eventually 'turns to the center' in this one, one way or another, or the day is lost.

Link to version 2.0 added in the first post.

[ZeaBed]

Download link for Version 2.1 available in the original post.