Announcement

**Locutus** · October 11, 2001, 15:17

Red, green, purple and orange parts have been edited as a result of the discussion below.

---------------
* The Spanish *
---------------
Names: Spain, the Spanish, Spanish
Time Period: 1150 AD - 2000 AD (Renaissance)
Leader: Queen Isabella of Castile (f), King Ferdinand of Aragorn - alternative: King Charles V, King Philip II
Unique Unit: Conquistador, Spanish Galleon, Tercios
Great Leaders: Hernando Cortes, Francisco Pizarro, Gonzalo G. de Cordoba, Spinola, Farnese, Adm. Blas de Lezo, Adm. Churruca, Castaños, Roger de Flor , El Cid Campeador (Ruy Díaz de Vivar)
Abilities: Religious, Militaristic - alternative: Commercial, Maritime

Historical significance:
Huge global empire that at it's height ruled over a large part of Europe and the most of what is now Latin America (as well as parts of Africa and Asia), had a large impact on European history from Ancient times onward.

Description:
Long before the Spanish civilization as we know it today came into existance other great civilizations ruled over Spain. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Celts and later Romans all had cities in Spain, mainly because of it's abundant natural resources (gold, silver, tin, copper, grain, wool, olive oil, wine, etc). They all lived and worked next to and with the native inhabitants, the Iberians (as the Greeks called them). Starting in the first century AD, under Roman rule, Christianity was introduced, something which would profoundly influence events in Spain in the centuries to come. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century AD various Germanic tribes - most notably the Visigoths - moved into Spain but they had little impact historically. The role of the Catholic church grew considerably during this time. In the eighth century the Arabs and the Berbers (together known to the Europeans as Moors) invaded from Africa and enforced Islamic rule over Spain, only in the northern-most regions the Christians still had some power.

It wasn't long though before the Christians began the Reconquista, the reconquest of the subcontinent which would take 700 years. Around 1000 AD a number of pocket states had been formed in the north (Leon, Castile, Aragon, Andorra and others) and these gradually expanded at the dispense of the Muslims. Eventually, in the 12th and 13th century, most of these states as well as (among others) Valencia and the Islas Baleares were federated and governed from Zaragoza and became one of the major trading nations of the Mediterranean. This was originally a fairly weak confederacy of independant states but over time these states (with the exception of Portugal) went through a unification process which would eventually lead to a truly unified kingdom of Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella (see below). Internal struggle between various Muslim groups made the Reconquista much easier, resulting in Spanish victory in the epic battle at Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 and the capture of Sevilla in 1248. Around this time Spanish merchants started to take over the trade along the Atlantic and North Sea coast from the Hanseatic League and Spanish statesmen started to interfere in Italian politics and take over some territory there (Sicily, Naples). Also, as a result of the Reconquista, Spain took over a lot of knowledge and inventions from the Arabs and collected and taught these things at its famous universities, thus gaining somewhat of a leading position in European science (in fields such as astronomy, navigation, etc). However, things took a bad turn at that point. Weak leadership, plagues, economic decline, revolts and other factors kept the Reconquista dorment for 200 years, until the marriage between Ferdinand of Aragorn and Isabella of Castile in 1469 eventually brought stability and unity again. They finally completed the Reconquista in 1492 by capturing the last Arab stronghold of Granada. All that was left to do at that point was to convert the large non-Christian portion of the Spanish population to Christianity, sometimes with harsh measures (the infamous Inquisition).

In the same year, Christopher Columbus, a Genoese navigator, discovered the New World. Now that the Reconquista was complete, the Spanish kings could divert their attention to exploration and conquest in the Americas. Pope Alexander VI divided the new territories between the Spanish and the Portuguese and the conquest of the New World could begin. This was the era of the infamous Armada of Spanish Galleons and famous explorers like Vasco Nunez de Balboa (discovered the Pacific), Ferdinand Magellan (circumnavigated the globe), Hernando Cortes (conquered the Aztec) and Francisco Pizarro (conquered the Incas). These last two formed a new type of explorer, the conquistador, an independent conqueror and entrepeneur who searched for gold and treasure and who was financed by private investors, officially sanctioned by the Spanish government. Once these conquistadors had conquered a certain portion of the New World, settlement and trade could commence. By the 1540's the Spanish had firmly established themselves in the New World, exploiting the natives for tribute and labour. The enormous amounts of gold and other trade goods that came from this new continent soon made Spain the richest and most powerful country in Europe and Spanish culture a standard for others to follow and imitate.

In 1516, through royal marriages, Charles V of Ghent became king of Spain (under the name King Charles I) and all it's colonies (later he acquired Germany and the Low Lands and was elected Holy Roman Emperor). Upon his retirement in 1556 he divided his empire and gave Spain (among other territories) to his son Philip II. In 1580 Philip also inherited Portugal and thus the Iberian Peninsula was united for the next 60 years. All this dynastic powerplay dragged Spain into all kinds of European wars and thanks to all it's newly acquired colonial wealth and religious developments (Reformation and Counter-Reformation), it also had many enemies (France, Italy, England, Germany, the Low Lands, the Ottoman Empire, etc). The heavy burden of upkeeping the military and poor economic policy eventually costed the Spanish dearly though. Military, economic, social and political decline followed, Catalonia, Portugal and the Netherlands declared independance, war with France and plagues, floods and famine wasted the country. As the Spanish Habsburg dynasty came to an end, the War of Spanish Succession (1702-1714) began, which is by some seen as the true first 'world war'. Politically the outcome of this war was a setback but it did result in internal unity in Spain itself and a pretty much intact colonial empire.

After that Spain was basically an ordinary European nation and went through much of the same developments as the rest of Europe: Enlightenment, segragation of church and state (which did more evil than good in Spain because the Catholic church was tied so deeply into Spanish society), Napoleontic era, civil wars (18th century), emigration to and independence movements in the colonies, government reforms, industrialization (19th century). Only during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s was Spain once again truely the center of the world. In this war between ideologies (all major ideologies of the time were somehow represented: nationalists, fascists, communists, anarchists, capitalists, democrats, monarchists, Christians, etc), nationalist Franco was victorious and reigned over Spain for the next four decades as a dictator. After this the transition to democracy was made and Spain became a constitutional monarchy, which it still is today.

Capital: Madrid - Capital of Spain
City names:
Barcelona - ancient Spanish city
Valencia - important Roman city; major federation city
Sevilla - old Iberian city; major federation city
Zaragoza - important Roman city; capital of Spanish confederation
Merida - important Roman city
Cadiz - possibly oldest (Phoenician) city in Western Europe
Toledo - Visigoth capital, Spanish World Heritage center
Córdoba - Arabic caliphate, Spanish World Heritage center
Granada - important Islamic city state
Bilbo Bilbao - Large Spanish city
Málaga - Important Phoenician city
San Sebastián - Large Spanish city
Gijón - Large Spanish city
A Cruña/La Coruña - Large Spanish city
Albacete - Large Spanish city
Murcia - Large Spanish city
Salamanca - Important scientific/cultural center (university), Spanish World Heritage center
Santiago de Compostela - Important religious center, Spanish World Heritage center
Ávila - Important Castillian center, Spanish World Heritage center
Cáceres - Important cultural center, Spanish World Heritage center
Cuenca - Important cultural center, Spanish World Heritage center
Segovia - Important Roman cultural center, Spanish World Heritage center
Ibiza/Eivissa - Important Phoenician colony
Cartagena - Important Carthaginian city
Valladolid - Large Spanish city
León - Large Spanish city
Santander - Large Spanish city
Oviedo - Large Spanish city
Tarragona - Important Roman city
Almería - Large Spanish city
Gasteiz/Vitoria - Large Spanish city
Lleida/Lérida - Large Spanish city
Castellón de la Plana - Large Spanish city
Pamplona - Large Spanish city
Burgos - Large Spanish city
Badajoz - Large Spanish city
Alicante - Large Spanish city
Huelva - Large Spanish city
Almunecar - Important Phoenician city
Rosas - Important Greek city
Ampurias - Important Greek city
Sagunto - Important Iberian/Greek city
Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Canary Island city
Las Palmas - Canary Island city
Isabella - first permanent Spanish settlement in New World
Panama - early Spanish settlment in Panama
Veracruz - founded by Cortes in Mexico
Buenos Aires - Spanish city in Argentina
San Miguel de Guadalupe - first (unsuccessful) Spanish settlement in North America (in Georgia/S. Carolina)

**Jay Bee** · October 11, 2001, 15:48

Locutus,

quite good indeed, except for this part

Around 1000 AD a number of pocket states had been formed in the north (Leon, Castile, Aragorn, Andorra and others) and these gradually expanded at the dispense of the Muslims. Eventually around 1140 most of these states, as well as Valencia and the Islas Baleares, were federated and governed from Barcelona (this is a confederacy which basically still exists today but which would never be extremely strong, often individual member states had a lot of freedom and at times even strove for independence);

I wonder where did you get that from. But as I said, except for this, that was a

post

PS. I could spot a few mistakes here and there, but mostly unimportant.

**Gramphos** · October 11, 2001, 15:59

Cool, how many of the Civs will you feature. (How long until Neanderthals

)

**Locutus** · October 11, 2001, 17:02

Originally posted by Jay Bee
quite good indeed

This is very good to hear, coming from someone with a Spanish background...

I wonder where did you get that from.

Well, it was basically a summary of this page (in case that URL fails - it's supposed to be a temporary file - go here and click on the link 'Castile and Aragorn'). I added the mention of the confederacy not being strong myself as I kept reading about various Spanish provinces trying to break off at different times in various other places on the web.
Nothing of what I read elsewhere seems to contradict it, but that doesn't have to mean anything of course. What exactly is wrong with it? Could you by any chance briefly describe your version of Spanish history from roughly 700-1200 (in particular the early phase of the Reconquista)? I'd be more than willing to fix it...

PS. I could spot a few mistakes here and there, but mostly unimportant.

Hmm, if you want to, I certainly wouldn't mind if you pointed some out. To me a mistake is a mistake, no matter how minor it might be. It would at least be worth checking it out, so I can see if my sources were unreliable, if I misunderstood them, if I added some stuff myself that I shouldn't have, if it's a matter of personal interpretation, etc...

Gramphos,
That will mainly depend on how many people volunteer to help, for which civ(s) they volunteer, how much work it will all take, etc. I at least want the current top 13 done and add important 'runner-ups' (at least the rest of the top 16 and hopefully other civs from the top 32) if it's possible to do so without taking too much time and energy from whoever might be involved... And no, I for one don't plan on covering the Neanderthals but maybe someone with a better sense of humour might take it up (*hint* *hint*)

**jdd2007** · October 11, 2001, 17:22

ANOTHER EXCELLENT THREAD!!! THREE THUMBS UP

!!! ID HELP, BUT IM TOO LAZY...

locutus, i nominate you for the BEST thread starter. regardless of anything i said, i will drag myself up and do some research for the Hebrew/Israelis...

**Wernazuma III** · October 11, 2001, 17:23

I couldn't yet read everything, but just some thoughts:

Eventually around 1140 most of these states, as well as Valencia and the Islas Baleares, were federated and governed from Barcelona

I thought the Baleares haven't been reconquered until 1235...

In 1516, through royal marriages, Charles V of Ghent

Ghent?? He was a Habsburg; I think he lived in Ghent for some time (his mother was from there IMHO), but he was mainly Karl V of Habsburg

**Jay Bee** · October 11, 2001, 17:50

Originally posted by Locutus
This is very good to hear, coming from someone with a Spanish background...

It's a bit more than that

Well, it was basically a summary of this page (in case that URL fails - it's supposed to be a temporary file - go here and click on the link 'Castile and Aragorn').

Aragon, not Aragorn

I assumed you were referring to the so-called Catalano-Aragonese confederation (a XIX c. term actually), but its capital was Zaragoza, not Barcelona. The latter was the most important city of the Kingdom for many years, that's true. Valencia and The Balearic Islands (And Sicily and even Athens) were united to the "confederated kingdom" much later.
The largest and biggest Christian kingdom in Iberia was formed when Castile and Leon united. It is from this kingdom that Portugal seceded. It was a bit odd not to mention that.

I seem to recall you're able to read Spanish. Is it true? If so I could provide you with a few links.

About the secessions, with the exception of Portugal there never was one. I think that chapter belongs more in the XIX century with the rise of the nationalistic movements in different parts of Spain.

Hmm, if you want to, I certainly wouldn't mind if you pointed some out. To me a mistake is a mistake, no matter how minor it might be. It would at least be worth checking it out, so I can see if my sources were unreliable, if I misunderstood them, if I added some stuff myself that I shouldn't have, if it's a matter of personal interpretation, etc...

Okay

It should be either Emperor Charles V or King Charles I (much better this one -- Spain was never part of the HR Empire), not King Charles V.

Unique unit: you may also want to add the Tercios and the Galleon (and the missionaire

).

The Spanish empire at its height also ruled over Asian and African territories. Contrary to the belief by many on these boards, the famous sentence 'an empire wher the sun never sets'
was not coined for the British Empire but for Philip II's Spanish Empire. The Brits seemed to like the sentence and borrowed it

Oh, at her height, Spain ruled over all of Latin America (Haiti excepted).

Barcelona is not an old Iberian city. It is said to have been founded by the Carthaginians (Hamilcar Barca -> Barcino, Barcinona -> Barcelona) although this is disputed.

Sad as it is, but Gibraltar is not a Spanish city.

Cartagena was never Phoenician in its stricy sense. It was founded by the Carthaginians (I know, I know).

Sagunto was an Iberian town, not Greek

Veracruz, not Velacruz. That means True Cross.

On a lighter note, if Ribannah sees this: "Spanish culture a standard for others to follow and imitate." I am sure she will push and push until you change it

Just kidding

**Gangerolf** · October 11, 2001, 18:09

Great thread, Locotus

Abilities: Religious, Militaristic - alternative: Commercial, Maritime

Will it be possible to create new C.S. Abilities, or are you just speculating?
Anyway, what would being Maritime in civ3 terms imply? Increased ship movement and cheaper ships perhaps?

**Master Marcus** · October 11, 2001, 19:06

Impressive lot of work, Locutus. Hope this can be somehow be sent to Firaxis too ( like the expansion civs ) . Wish I'd help, but I lack the time ...I don't even have the time to play at my content. At least I read the results.

**Ribannah** · October 11, 2001, 19:47

Once more a great endeavour, Locutus!

Here are just some bits I missed about the Spanish: when they lost their colonies, the trade and use of African slaves, the Basques, the Armada (a wonder?), their art.
It is funny that their Salamanca is a heritage center, too!

With regard to the Mongols I would add something about Marco Polo.

For both the Mongols and the Spanish I would like some focus on their scientific accomplishments.

**Waku** · October 11, 2001, 20:18

You need a doctor honey, you're really sick

**Shaka Naldur** · October 11, 2001, 21:11

Originally posted by Ribannah

Here are just some bits I missed about the Spanish: when they lost their colonies, the trade and use of African slaves, the Basques, the Armada (a wonder?), their art.
It is funny that their Salamanca is a heritage center, too!

For both the Mongols and the Spanish I would like some focus on their scientific accomplishments.

after this I´m going to join the Ribannah´s fanclub

**orange** · October 11, 2001, 21:14

oh Shaka...do I have a thread for you...

Ribannah's been posting her anti-Spanish pro-Iroquois crap all over the forums. Why don't you check out any of the threads currently on the Iroquois (there are plenty) and read all of her posts.

Her stance is that the Iroquois are more deserving of being in Civ III than the Spanish, and she rips up a lot of Spanish history/culture while exaggerating her fanatical view of Iroquois civilization all along the way. Good for ****s and giggles.

**Ribannah** · October 11, 2001, 21:15

Originally posted by Waku
You need a doctor honey, you're really sick

You'd better not come close, or you will die.

Announcement

Expansion Pack Civs Explained: Mongols and Spanish

Expansion Pack Civs Explained: Mongols and Spanish

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment