The Battle of Alcazar

The Battle of Alcazar is a play attributed to George Peele, perhaps written no later than late 1591 if the play "Muly Molucco" mentioned in Henslowe's diary is this play (see below), and published anonymously in 1594, that tells the story of the battle of Alcácer Quibir in 1578.

Likely allusions to the Spanish Armada in the play appear to limit its earliest possible date. The primary historical source for the play, John Polemom's The Second Part of the Book of Battles, Fought in Our Age, was published in 1587. The play may also have been an attempt to capitalize on popular interest in the Drake-Norris Expedition, the so-called English Armada, of 1589, in which Peele was interested (see below).

Characters (dramatis personae)

The Presenter<br>Moroccans<br>Abdelmelec - also known as Muly Molocco, rightful King of Morocco<br>Abdil Rayes - his Queen<br>Calsepius Bashaw - general of the Turkish troops supporting Abdelmelec<br>Zareo - a Moor of Argier, follower of Abdelmelec<br>Celybin - a captain in Abdelmelec's army<br>Muly Mahamet Seth - brother to Abdelmelec<br>Rubin Archis - widow of Abdelmelec's brother, Abdelmunen<br>Rubin's Young Son<br>Muly Mahamet - the Moor, nephew to Abdelmelec<br>Calipolis - Muly Mahamet's wife<br>Muly Mahamet's son<br>Pisano, Muly Mahamet's Captain<br>Messenger<br>A boy serving Muly Mahamet<br>Attendant<br>Ambassadors from Muly Mahamet...
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