Al-Andalus: From the Muslim Conquest to 1492

The Formation of Al-Andalus (711): In 711, a Muslim army composed of Arabs and Berbers entered the Iberian Peninsula, taking advantage of the internal conflicts among the Visigoths. The decisive battle took place near the Guadalete River, where the Muslim army defeated the last Visigothic king.

After this victory, the Muslims occupied almost the entire peninsula, naming the conquered territory Al-Andalus.

Political Developments (711-1492)

Al-Andalus went through several phases from the initial invasion in 711 until 1492:

• Dependent Emirate of Damascus (Umayyad Caliphate): Al-Andalus was initially dependent on the Umayyad Caliphate, with its capital in Damascus. During these years, the Muslims continued to occupy the peninsula, except for some northern areas. They clashed with the Frankish army of Charles Martel, who defeated them at the Battle of Poitiers in 732.
• Independent Emirate of Cordoba (Abbasid Caliphate): In 750, the Abbasid dynasty overthrew the Umayyad dynasty and moved the capital of the Caliphate to Baghdad. Abderraman I, a survivor of the Umayyad dynasty, escaped and established himself in Al-Andalus.
• Caliphate of Cordoba: Abderraman III proclaimed himself Caliph, making Al-Andalus an independent caliphate with its capital in Cordoba.
• Taifa Kingdoms and Berber Dynasties (1031-1212): In 1031, the Caliphate entered a period of crisis and fragmented into small kingdoms called Taifas. The Almoravids (1086), a Berber group from North Africa, seized power and unified Al-Andalus. In the mid-12th century, the Almohads (1145) invaded. In 1212, the Christian kingdoms defeated the Almohads at the Battle of Navas de Tolosa.
• Nasrid Kingdom of Granada (1212-1492): Al-Andalus was reduced to the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, ruled by Boabdil. In 1492, the kingdom surrendered after a long siege by the Catholic Monarchs, ending Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

Society of Al-Andalus

Al-Andalus society consisted of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Coexistence was possible because their customs and beliefs were generally respected.

• Arabs: The most important group, originally a minority from Arabia, became large landowners, taking over lands previously held by Visigoths.
• Non-Arabs: The rest of society included various groups:
  • Mozarabs: Christians living under Muslim rule.
  • Jews: Engaged in crafts and trade.
  • Berbers: Primarily engaged in grazing.
  • Muladis: Christians who converted to Islam, mostly peasants.
  • Slaves: Occupied the lowest rung of society.