Post by 575 on Jun 5, 2022 11:58:53 GMT
Following the defeat at the Battle of Seville 844 some of the defeated Danes decided to adopt the Islamic Creed and settled in the area to become revered quality Cheesemakers.
In the wake of the Civil War of the sons of Emperor Louis the Pious 814-840 battle of Fontenay 841 the forces of the three brothers became so depleated that the Danish Vikings were able to run amok in the Imperial coastal lands.
King Eirikr (Horik) 1. of Denmark (814-854) sends off a Fleet that sails up the Loire 843 to raid Nantes during the St. Johns Solstice feast causing a large bloodshed.
The Fleet then moves south to attack Galicia in NW Spain where it is defeated by King Ramiro; during the battle 70 ships of 100? are burned but the Fleet moves on south.
At Lisbon the Fleet engage the Navy of Abd al-Rahman 2. and is again defeated but moves south to Seville where they plunder countryside and attack the city to once again face defeat.
Some are captured by the called up troops others go to Africa or home to Denmark/Scandinavia.
In the wake of battle King Eirikr sends a peace proposal to Abd al-Rahman 2. who sends an envoy Al-Ghazel by ship - escorted by Viking longships - to Denmark to meet King Eirikr and negotiate peace.
During the journey the ships are damaged in storms at Cap Finisterre but are repaired in Danish territory and the travel continue.
At the Danish Court Al-Ghazel makes an impression on Queen Nud to whom he write a love poem and engage in religious dispute with visiting Catholic Clergy - Ansgar et al. actually defeating probably Ansgar in disputes. Even so King Eirikr decide for the Catholic creed (the Empire though weakened being right next door may be a factor) but have ships escort Al-Ghazel back home. Though in Spanish waters his Fleet once again get into battle with the force of Galicia - recent memories or some misunderstanding causing this?
Though just perhaps King Eirikr may have decided for the Islamic Creed with the Empire divided and weak even if next door.
Of course Danes and other Scandinavians would have some difficulties with banning alcoholic beverages - even if it was the only clean drink available - the prospect of being able to keep all wives and harem/friller may have resounded well.
(source: "Korstog ved verdens yderste rand, Danmark og Portugal ca. 1000 til ca. 1250" Kurt Villads Jensen)
