{"product_id":"cq-23","title":"CQ-23 - Arq\/Crossbow  | John Jenkins Designs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCQ-23 - Arq\/Crossbow | John Jenkins Designs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis two-figure set depicts Spanish Conquistadors armed with an arquebus and a crossbow, representing the European soldiers who participated in the conquest of the Americas during the early 16th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe figures are shown standing ready with their respective weapons, illustrating two important forms of missile warfare employed by the Spanish during their campaigns against indigenous armies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Spanish military system had developed considerably following the Reconquista, which culminated in the capture of Granada in 1492. By the beginning of the 16th century, Spanish forces had become highly experienced in combining different types of infantry weapons to create effective battlefield formations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArquebusiers and crossbowmen provided ranged support while pikemen and swordsmen protected their positions. The crossbow remained particularly valuable during campaigns in Mexico and Central America because it was easier to manufacture and more reliable than early matchlock firearms in humid conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese combined tactics were employed during the campaigns of Hernán Cortés against the Aztec Empire, where Spanish forces faced large formations of indigenous warriors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn excellent addition to a Spanish Conquistador collection, particularly when displayed alongside pikemen, swordsmen and cavalry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow available from The Military Workshop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Jenkins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53279042830618,"sku":"CQ-23","price":142.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/0154\/0890\/files\/CQ-23.jpg?v=1793523047","url":"https:\/\/themilitaryworkshop.com\/products\/cq-23","provider":"The Military Workshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}