"The Bloodthirsty"

Did you know, Moulay Ismail Ibn Sharif, "The Bloodthirsty," sired 800 children. He created one of the first mercenary armies in the 18th century, the Abid al-Bukhari. By musket ball and blade, this army made up of mostly West Africans unified Morocco. However, upon the Moulay's death, loyalties were tested and his empire split. If you enjoy immersive historical fiction, you might like this read. Grab your copy here.

“Portrait of Ismail Ibn Sharif via Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain”