Battle of Aljubarrota, August 14, 1385

Aljubarrota was one of the great pitched battles of the Middle Ages between two royal armies and one of the most decisive events in the history of Portugal. In the diplomatic field, it allowed the alliance between Portugal and England, which continues to this day. Politically, it resolved the Portuguese dispute against the Kingdom of Castile and Leon, allowing Portugal to be declared an independent kingdom, paving the way under the Avis dynasty for one of the most remarkable eras in its history, the Age of Discovery. Analyzing the battle of Aljubarrota we observed that the Castilians should have sought to guard against the tactical surprises of the Portuguese device. They should have forced the noble gentlemen (mainly French) to put aside the pride of their cavalry charges. They should not have left the bulk of their infantry behind - on the contrary, it should have been the top echelon from the start - and when this weapon was employed it should not have been concentrated in the center, not only after some initial success, but throughout the whole battle. And in this case, the penetration “shoulders” - right and left wings - should have been reinforced. Finally, in the technique they should have sought a better job - adapted to the terrain and enemy situation - for their important force of crossbowmen, particularly in counterbattery the Portuguese fire.