Strategy & Tactics #279: Reconquista is a strategic-level wargame simulating the epic Christian re-conquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Muslim Moors between 850 and 1250 AD. This centuries-long conflict shaped the future of Spain and Portugal and remains one of the defining military, cultural, and religious struggles of medieval Europe.

• Historical Background: From the fragmented Christian kingdoms of the north to the powerful Muslim dynasties of the south, the Reconquista was a dynamic, shifting contest for dominance over Iberia. Players relive this monumental clash, commanding either the Christian coalitions of Asturias-León, Castile, Aragon, and Catalonia, or the Muslim forces of Al-Andalus and North Africa, including the Almoravids and Almohads. The game traces the rise and fall of empires, alliances, and faiths across four centuries of war and diplomacy.
• Gameplay & Scale: Designed as a two-player strategic wargame, Reconquista can also be adapted for multi-player campaigns as new realms emerge and others collapse over time. Each of the 16 game turns represents roughly 25 years of campaigning, alternating between warfare, peace, and political manoeuvring. Players command field armies (mesnadas) consisting of knights, cavalry, military orders, raiders, and even naval squadrons.
• Comprehensive Simulation: The map depicts the entire Iberian Peninsula, with land areas representing territories and kingdoms rather than hexes, reflecting the political geography of the time. Players will need to manage both military campaigns and diplomatic opportunities, striking a balance between expansion, consolidation, and survival amid constant religious and cultural conflict.
• Components & Counters: The game includes 228 counters representing armies, fleets, and historical contingents of both Christian and Muslim forces. From the disciplined Andalusí infantry to the crusading knights of the Christian north, every piece embodies the unique strengths and weaknesses of its era.

Turn Structure: Each turn simulates 25 years of history and alternates between active military operations and periods of peace or recovery. This long-term structure encourages grand strategy, alliance management, and calculated risk-taking to achieve final control over Iberia.

Game Components & Features:

• 1 x Full-colour map of the Iberian Peninsula
• 228 die-cut counters representing Christian and Muslim forces
• Playable by 2 players (adaptable for 3–4)
• 16 turns covering 400 years of medieval conflict
• Inclusion of naval warfare, crusader orders, and Muslim dynasties
• Dynamic political and military evolution over centuries of play

Scale:
Players: 2 (adaptable for 3–4)
Level: Company / Brigade
Turn: 25 Years

Other Articles in This Issue:

• China Invades Taiwan: AD 1683 – The Qing Dynasty’s campaign to bring Taiwan under imperial control.
• The Maginot Line: Analysis of France’s famed defensive system and its strategic role in World War II.
• The T-54/55 Tank: A look at the design and global impact of one of the most produced tanks in history.

Strategy & Tactics #279: Reconquista offers an expansive, historically rich recreation of the Reconquista era. With its mix of long-term strategic planning, cultural rivalry, and territorial conquest, it’s an essential addition to any historical wargamer’s collection — capturing one of medieval Europe’s most transformative conflicts in elegant strategic detail.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s leading source for historical wargames, strategy titles, and simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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