Battle of Aljubarrota. New interpretations

Abstract

The Battle of Aljubarrota, which took place on the 14th August 1385, in central Portugal, was one of the most important events in Portuguese political history. Nevertheless, it has attracted relatively little attention from scholars. This article aims to reassess the history of the battle, following four main ideas: i) Aljubarrota did not correspond to the invention of any new tactical model; ii) the Castilians did not outnumbered the Portuguese warriors, during the battle; iii) the famous square conceived by the Portuguese Constable Nuno Álvares Pereira never existed; iv) the men who supported the Portuguese King that day, did not wish to protect their fatherland, they were just defending their economical, social and political positions and advantages.