Historical Maps

The Hundred Years War which has torn France apart for over a century is currently halted by a truce following a number of key French victories. With the support of Joan of Arc, since martyred at the hands of the English, and the support of the rich Anjou family, Charles VII has reclaimed Paris and many of the French lands. Charles has also been acknowledged as the rightful King by the Dukes of Burgundy in the treaty of Arras in 1435.

However, the truce with England is tenuous. The English have still not relinquished their claims to the French throne, and one of the main demands of the new treaty, the surrender of Maine to France, has yet to materialize months later.

While the Burgundians now passively support the French cause in the conflict with England, they are still a matter of concern for the French Crown. They have grown their domains far beyond the borders of France, into the Lowlands and the Holy Roman Empire. It is said that the Duke, who is also one of the richest men in Europe, harbours dreams of a future kingdom based around his collective domains.

As the High Renaissance approaches, Italy and Germany remain fraught by the constant friction between the Emperor and the many autonomous Princes.

In the wealthy Northern Italy, several small Duchies, Republics, Marquisates and Lordships compete for dominance. The Merchant Republics of Venice, and Genoa,  have sought to expand its influence outside of the Italian peninsula, to Dalmatia and the Greek Isles, to secure their economic interests. The Duchy of Milan's days of glory is over. Their ruler is old and has no children to inherit his position. Leaving it vulnerable to pretenders and radical republicans alike.

In Tuscany, the Medici family of Florence have long patronized and encouraged the arts and innovation leading to it becoming the heartland of the Renaissance. While in central Italy the Pope wrestles against local Dictators and Princes over the power of the Papal States.

The Reconquista started around 720 with the battle of Covadonga in the small Kingdom of Asturias, between the Umayyads and Christians.

Though never a united force, the Christian Iberian kingdoms often shared a common goal and identity. Which inspired great cooperation among them against their, often more politically united, Muslim rivals.

In 1212 a Crusade was declared against the Almohad Caliphate. Uniting the forces of Aragon, Castile, Leon, Navarra, and Portugal in the decisive Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.

In 1444 all that remained of the once-mighty Islamic presence in Iberia were the Emirate of Granada. Which fell in 1492, a few months before the discovery of the New World and the start of ‘La Conquista’.