El Cid- Slav Mercenaries?

[OB]

James Morris refers to the Andalusians employing Berber and Slav Mercenaries. I knew about the Berbers but the Slavs are new to me.

Who were those fellows? Did they come from the Islamic World where lots of Slavs ended up or directly from the Slavic World?

How were they equipped? Cavalry? Infantry? Close fighters? 

If anyone knows I'd be obliged to benefit from the knowledge.

[MWS]

Slavs were slaves (western origin, but not necessarily slaves) bought by the Caliphate of Cordoba. Later they ruled in several of the Taifa states. During El Cids time they would dress like Andalusians and serve in the same roles as the Andalusians - and of course they were Muslim. I'll look up what I have next week.

[OB]

Thank you. I know about the Slav/slave correlation. I didn't know that they managed to rule in some of Taifa states. Very interesting and helpful to know how the dressed too.

Thanks for taking the trouble and looking forward to whatever you dig up next week.

[Atheling]

It's important we focus on the influence of culture here. Anyone taken as a slave would, especially over generations, become more integrated to the society they found themselves in. More importantly for us Toy soldier collectors, this could possibly include dress, arms and armours.

For example, I'm slowly working my way up to having enough miniatures for both sides to put on The Battle of Battle of Dyrrhachium (1081). notably Emperor Alexios Komnenos had contingents of Slav infantry in his army. At first I was very puzzled as to how i was going to represent them- in the end I just went for a general Skutatoi look as they are likely to have had their arms and armours dolled out by the state (or at least that's how I chose to represent them)

[Rogerc]

I am in the middle of reading a bit about this, my view is pretty much as stated, slaves tended to be Slavs from the North or Sub Sharan Africans from the south. Or of course Christian Spanish captured in raids. They would have dressed just like their Andalusian masters, if you want to give a nod to them give them a paler flesh tone but exactly the same gear I would suggest. I am sure the El Cid osprey has a slav cavalryman, Andalusian gear with red hair.

[Atheling]

I am sure the El Cid osprey has a slav cavalryman, Andalusian gear with red hair.

So it does Roger.

[OB]

Yes, saw that pic'. Most of my figures are wearing turbans. However, they a clearly bearded. A heavy sprinkling of blonde and red beards should distinguish my Slavic unit.

Thank you both.

My copy of the Quest for El Cid arrived today.  All going smoothly so far.

[OB]

Happily reading Fletcher and he has some interesting comments to make on the Slavs and the Cordoba Caliphate.

The slave takers were primarily Northmen.

Cordoba bought theirs from middlemen operating out of Verdun. The lucky ones got to be sold as soldiers. The unlucky ones were castrated and sold as eunuchs. There was a virtual monopoly in the eunuch trade as far as Verdun and Moorish Spain was concerned.

The Slav and Sub Saharans soldiers did not assimilate with the general population being kept separate.

The locals resented the taxes that paid for the soldiers.

I'm thoroughly enjoying The Quest For El Cid.