"The Middle Ages had its share of dramatic moments – battles, murders, even speeches had their share of excitement and historical importance. However, what happened on March 23rd, 1369, has a truly epic quality to it. The events of that day can be traced back to the reign of Alfonso XI, King of Castile (1312-1350). Alfonso was a strong ruler who expanded his kingdom by defeating the Moors. However, he had one failing: he was married to one woman while he loved another. Alfonso had been married to Maria of Portugal in 1328, but at the same time had met a Castilian noblewoman named Leonor de Guzman. He greatly preferred Leonor, who by all accounts was a capable lady, and together they had 10 children. Meanwhile, once Queen Maria bore him a son, Pedro, in 1334, she and her son were sent to live away from the royal court. The scandal and the exile would leave great bitterness in both Maria and Pedro.
Alfonso XI died in 1350, a victim of the Black Death, and Pedro became the new King of Castile, under the guidance of his mother. Over the next several years the royal court was the scene of much intrigue, as the new king had to deal with Leonor and her two twin sons Enrique and Fadrqiue, who had amassed much wealth and power. The nobles of the realm were involved in the political games and scheming too.
At the heart of these intrigues was Pedro. Physically he was blond and blue-eyed, tall but thin, and had a slight speech impediment. He liked to ride horses, hunt and take part in jousts. However, his personality is the reason Pedro was nicknamed ‘the Cruel'. L.J. Andrew Villalon sums up the Castilian king this way: "From early in Pedro's reign, it became clear to friend and foe alike that the monarch had a suspicious an vindictive personality. He employed deceit and cruelty wherever he encountered opposition, real or imagined. His unforgiving nature, combined with a very long memory, made it very hazardous for an opponent to attempt reconciliation with the king. Time and again, the aristocracy looked on as one of its members thought he had made peace with the king, only to be executed or assassinated when the opportunity arose…a modern psychiatrist could scarcely avoid a diagnosis of progressive paranoia, aggravated by homicidal rage and sadistic tendencies."…"
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shows how using inks makes it easier to paint a 15mm scale army.
