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The Pastrana Tapestries of Alfonso V
Portuguese Siege of Asilah
Detail of Centre
Picture Source: Iolanda Andrade
The Bombardment
The Portuguese bombard Asilah with cannon, cracking the walls. Some soldiers fire muskets and crossbows, while others are armed with long spears. Wooden screens in front of the cannon protect them against enemy projectiles. Before firing cannonballs, soldiers pulled on the ropes to raise the screen. The masts and crow’s nests in the background rise from the Portuguese ships blockading the port.