Al-Andalus: videos, summary and glossary
The expansion of Islam
Between the 7th and 9th centuries, Muslims in the name of the new Islamic religion, conquered a great empire, which stretched from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic.
The Islamic Empire was ruled by a Caliph, who was helped by a number of officials.
The evolution of Al-Andalus
The conquest of Hispania happened quickly (711–718) because the Muslims took advantage of disputes between the Visigothic nobility and signed pacts of surrender with them.
Al-Andalus became a dependent emirate of Damascus (718–756) and established its capital in Córdoba. Abd al-Rahman I of the Umayya dynasty created the independent emirate (756–929).
Abd al-Rahman III broke his religious obedience to the caliph of Bagdad and proclaimed the Caliphate of Córdoba (929–1031), which was the golden age of Al-Andalus.
The division into taifas (1031–1248) weakened Al-Andalus, which was almost conquered by the Christian kingdoms in the north of the Peninsula. Only the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada (1248–1492) survived.
A prosperous civilisation
Agricultural prosperity facilitated a high population density, the development of trade and the emergence of new cities.
Cities developed due to their economic dynamism based on commercial and artisan activities.
Science, culture and art
Al-Andalus was one of the most important cultural centres in medieval Europe, thanks to scientific and artistic developments and the promoting of education.
The grandeur of its buildings and their rich ornamentation made andalusí architecture one of the most important styles of the medieval Muslim world.
alquería (n): a small rural community in Al-Andalus, usually on irrigated land.
Arab (n): a person originating from the Arabian Peninsula.
besiege: attack
Berbers (n): a people indigenous to North Africa, many of whom migrated to the Iberian Peninsula during the time of Al-Andalus.
caliph (n): a Muslim ruler with complete political and religious authority.
clash: confrontation
emir (n): a Muslim (usually Arab) leader or military commander.
fortress (n): a large fortified building or group of buildings, often including a town.
golden age (n): a time of wealth and achievement for a region.
irrigation (n): supplying land with water by artificial means, for example, with ditches and canals.
hachib (n): the prime minister of Al-Andalus who helped the caliph govern.
Islam (n): the monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad in the 7th century.
medina (n): the old Arab quarter of a city.
mosque (n): the religious building where the Muslim community goes to worship.
Mozarab (n): a Christian in Al-Andalus who was permitted to practise his or her religion.
Muladi (n): Hispano-Visigoths who converted to Islam, spoke Arabic and accepted local customs.
noria (n): a machine consisting of a circular chain of buckets, used for raising water from a river.
seize: take (by force)
souk (n): an Arab marketplace.
taifa (n): the name of the Muslim kingdoms that formed when Al-Andalus was divided up.
vizier (n): a government minister of Al-Andalus.
water wheel (n): a large wheel used to lift water from a river for irrigation.
well (n) a hole in the ground from which you can get water.
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| An alquería. Vicens-Vives |
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| An Islamic City. Vicens-Vives |
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