A Batalha de Atoleiros (6 de Abril de 1384): ensaio geral para Aljubarrota?

Abstract

This paper revisits the Battle of Atoleiros, which took place in North Alentejo on the 6th April 1384. Although it has not been highly praised by traditional historiography, this was a very important battle, not only from a military point ofview but also from a political and a psychological one. On one hand, the Battle of Atoleiros reinforced the political group of the Master of Avis and proved that it was strong enough to impose itself and to defeat the Castilian party. On the other hand, it undermined the possibility of new Castilian forces invading the Alentejo to join themselves to those which had already begun the siege of Lisbon. Besides, the tactical solution adopted by Nuno Álvares Pereira (combat on foot, associating dismounted cavalry, foot soldiers and crossbowmen) was very astute and revealed a deep knowledge of the most modern tactical solutions. This was certainly the result of the large contact between Portuguese and English troops that occurred during the wars of King Fernando against Castile (1381-1382). In this sense, the Battle of Atoleiros may undoubtedly be considered predecessor of the great victory achieved by Nuno Álvares in Aljubarrota some 16 months later. As an Appendix, this paper presents the recently inaugurated Interpretative Centre of the Battle of Atoleiros, that is located only 2,5 km from the battlefield.