Reconquista

Definition

The reconquista refers to the period in medieval Spain, spanning approximately 780 years, during which Christian kingdoms sought to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. This long process was marked by various military campaigns and political maneuvers, culminating in the capture of Granada in 1492, which symbolized the end of Muslim presence in Spain. The reconquista played a significant role in shaping the cultural and religious landscape of Spain, influencing aspects such as convivencia and the subsequent waves of crusading efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The reconquista began shortly after the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century and continued until the fall of Granada in 1492.
2. This period saw significant military conflicts, with various Christian kingdoms like Castile, Aragon, and León engaging in battles against Muslim forces.
3. The reconquista was not just a military endeavor; it also included political alliances and marriages that helped unify Christian kingdoms against their common enemy.
4. As a result of the reconquista, there was a major cultural shift in Spain, leading to an increased emphasis on Christianity and the marginalization of Muslim and Jewish communities.
5. The completion of the reconquista coincided with Christopher Columbus's voyage to the New World in 1492, which marked a new chapter in Spanish history and global exploration.

Review Questions

• How did the reconquista influence social relations among different religious communities in medieval Spain?
  • The reconquista significantly affected social relations among Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Initially, during periods of convivencia, there was relative peace and cultural exchange among these groups. However, as Christian kingdoms gained ground and ultimately completed the reconquista, tensions heightened. Many Muslims and Jews faced persecution or were forced to convert to Christianity, leading to a decline in multicultural interactions that had previously characterized parts of medieval Spain.
• Discuss the role of key figures like Ferdinand and Isabella during the reconquista and how their actions shaped its outcome.
  • Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile played pivotal roles in the reconquista as they unified their kingdoms through marriage and strategic alliances. Their joint efforts culminated in the conquest of Granada in 1492, marking the end of Muslim rule in Spain. They implemented policies that aimed to consolidate their power and promote Catholicism, which influenced future religious practices and attitudes towards non-Christians in Spain. Their reign set a precedent for Spanish nationalism intertwined with Catholic identity.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the reconquista impacted European politics and religious dynamics during the late 15th century.
  • The completion of the reconquista had far-reaching implications for European politics and religion. It not only consolidated power within Spain but also intensified religious zeal across Europe, leading to increased support for Catholic missions. The unification under Ferdinand and Isabella established Spain as a major player in European affairs. This newfound power facilitated overseas exploration, exemplified by Columbus's voyage that same year. The reconquista's end also sparked a wave of religious intolerance that affected not just Iberia but resonated throughout Europe, influencing policies regarding Protestant Reformation movements.

Related terms

Convivencia: A historical term that describes a period of coexistence among Muslims, Christians, and Jews in medieval Spain, where cultural and intellectual exchanges flourished despite underlying tensions.

Al-Andalus: The name given to the Muslim territories in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages, which was characterized by significant cultural, scientific, and artistic advancements.

Catholic Monarchs: The title given to Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, whose marriage united Spain and completed the reconquista by capturing Granada, marking the end of Muslim rule in 1492.