Page 58 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

56  INTRODUCING SP AIN

Al Andalus: Muslim Spain

The arrival of Arab and Berber invaders from North Africa,
and their defeat of the Visigoths, gave rise to the most
brilliant civilization of early medieval Europe. These Muslim
settlers, often known as the Moors, called Spain “Al Andalus”.
A rich and powerful caliphate was established in Córdoba
and mathematics, science, archi tecture and the decorative
arts flourished. The caliphate eventually broke up into small Spain in AD 750
kingdoms or taifas. Meanwhile small Christian enclaves Extent of Moorish
domination
expanded in the north.

Water Wheel
Moorish irrigation tech- The palace, dating from
niques, such as the water the 11th century, was
wheel, revolutionized surrounded by patios,
agriculture. New crops, pools and gardens.
including oranges and
rice, were introduced.

Astrolabe
Perfected by the
Moors around AD 800,
the astrolabe was
used by navigators
and astronomers.

Remains of
a Roman
amphitheatre

Silver Casket of Hisham II
In the Caliphate of Córdoba,
luxury objects of brilliant Curtain walls with
craftsmanship were worked in Fortified watch towers
ivory, silver and bronze. entrance gate

711 Moors, led 778 Charlemagne’s rearguard defeated
by Tariq, invade 732 Moors’ advance into by Basques at Roncesvalles (p138)
Spain and defeat France is halted by
Visigoths at Charles Martel at Poitiers 785 Building of
battle of great mosque at Charlemagne
Guadalete Córdoba begins (742–814)
750 800 850
722 Led by 756 Abd al Rahman I proclaims 822 Abd al Rahman II begins
Pelayo, independent emirate in Córdoba 30-year rule marked by patron age
Christians 744 Christians under Alfonso I of the arts and culture
defeat Moors of Asturias take León c.800 Tomb of St James (Santiago)
at Covadonga is supposedly discovered at Santiago
(p113) Pelayo (718–37) de Compostela

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