Military Organization
Abdallah ibn Yassin imposed very strict disciplining measures on his forces for every breach of his laws. The Almoravids' first military leader, Yahya ibn Umar al-Lamtuni, gave them a good military organization. Their main force was infantry, armed with javelins in the front ranks and pikes behind, which formed into a phalanx; and was supported by camelmen and horsemen on the flanks. They also had a flag carrier at the front who guided the forces behind him; when the flag was upright the combatants behind would stand and when turned down, they would sit.
al-Bakri reports that, while in combat, the Almoravids did not pursue those who fled in front of them. Their fighting was tense and they did not retreat when disadvantaged by an advancing opposing force and preferred death over defeat. These characteristics were possibly unusual at the time.
Read more about this topic: Almoravid Dynasty
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