The Almohad war-schools

The Almohad military schools were schools founded by Abd al-Mu'min ibn Ali in the Almohad state to train commanders and soldiers. ¹

Young men from the Maghribi tribes were gathered in them, especially the Masmuda. Alongside the military arts, the writings of the Mahdi Ibn Tumart were taught, and the students memorised his precepts. ¹

Training covered weapons, horsemanship, swimming, and methods of siege on land and at sea. A pool was built near Marrakesh in which boats and small training ships were placed, so that students could learn to row and to command ships. ¹

Education was at the expense of the state, and the students were given horses and weapons. Many commanders, senior officers, and governors of fortresses graduated from them. ¹