In this series we cover the rise of Islamic Spain or Al-Andalus followed by the gradual reconquest of Spain by the Spanish Christian Kingdoms.
We take a look at the Iberian peninsular from Roman rule to the establishment of the Visigoths.
We examine the lead up to the battle of 711 and the final years of Visigothic rule.
We discuss the Battle of 711, which brought the Muslim conquerers to the Iberian peninsula.
Following the Muslim victory, someone hid the treasures of the Visigothic Kings at a place called Guerrazar, near Toledo. The hiding place was so effective that the treasure remained hidden for over 1000 years. Thankfully it was rediscovered in 1858 and pieces of the find are now on display in Paris and Madrid.
We explore how the Muslim invaders were able to consolidate their hold on the Iberian peninsula.
One of the reasons why the Muslim invaders were ultimately successful, was the raft of Roman infrastructure already in place across the peninsula. One stunning example of this is the Alcantara Bridge. Already over 600 years old at the time of the Muslim invasion, it is still standing today - nearly 2000 years after it was constructed.
The Muslim rulers of Al-Andalus put down a Berber uprising, only to face some bigger problems caused by some troublesome newcomers.
The last surviving member of the Umayyad dynasty makes his way to al-Andalus.
Abd al-Rahman died in 788. Which one of his three sons will succeed him?
We cover the lengthy reign of al-Hakam then journey to the northern coast of the Iberian Peninsula where some independent Christian states are beginning to emerge.
We take a look at the creation of the tiny rebel Christian Kingdom of Asturias.
We take a look at the Iberian peninsula after 100 or so years of Muslim rule.
We take up the narrative in the year 822 and welcome a new Emir to the stage, Abd al-Rahman II, who faces a new threat in the form of the Vikings.
We take a look at the effect of the colourful reign of Abd al-Rahman II on the Christians of al-Andalus
We see how Christians who left al-Andalus for the northern Christian regions during the rule of Abd al-Rahman II affected the places they settled in. We also take a closer look at the Basque region.
One example of Arabic culture being transferred from al-Andalus to the north, comes in the form of illustrations by Magius, a Christian artist who left Cordoba and settled in the Kingdom of Asturias. The pictures he drew for a copy of a manuscript by Beatus of Liebana depict clear Arabic influences.
