Reconquista

Definition

The Reconquista refers to the long historical period of the retaking of the Iberian Peninsula by Christian kingdoms from Muslim rule, culminating in 1492 with the conquest of Granada. This process spanned nearly 800 years and involved numerous military campaigns, significant cultural exchanges, and shifting political alliances that shaped the development of both Spain and Portugal.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Reconquista began in 711 AD after Muslim forces invaded and rapidly took control of much of the Iberian Peninsula.
2. The pivotal moment came in 1212 when a coalition of Christian kingdoms defeated the Almohad Caliphate at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, marking a turning point in favor of Christian forces.
3. Granada was the last Muslim stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula and fell to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, coinciding with Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas.
4. The Reconquista was not just a military campaign; it also involved significant cultural exchanges, influencing language, architecture, and science in Spain and Portugal.
5. The end of the Reconquista led to increased religious intolerance, culminating in the Spanish Inquisition, aimed at converting or expelling non-Christians from Spain.

Review Questions

• How did the outcomes of key battles during the Reconquista influence the political landscape of the Iberian Peninsula?
  • Key battles during the Reconquista, such as the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, were crucial in shifting the balance of power towards Christian kingdoms. The victory in this battle weakened Muslim control and inspired further campaigns against remaining territories. These outcomes helped consolidate power among Christian rulers and facilitated alliances that would eventually lead to a unified Spain under Ferdinand and Isabella.
• In what ways did the cultural exchanges during the Reconquista shape the identity of modern Spain?
  • Cultural exchanges during the Reconquista led to a rich tapestry of influences that shaped modern Spanish identity. The coexistence and interaction between Christians, Muslims, and Jews fostered advancements in science, philosophy, and art. Architectural styles such as Mudéjar emerged from this blend, demonstrating how reconciling different cultures contributed to Spain's unique heritage that persists today.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Reconquista on religious tolerance and social dynamics in Spain post-1492.
  • The conclusion of the Reconquista had profound long-term consequences on religious tolerance in Spain. The Catholic Monarchs' push for a homogenous Catholic identity led to intensified persecution through the Spanish Inquisition, targeting converted Muslims and Jews. This climate of intolerance resulted in social divisions that would impact Spanish society for centuries, creating a legacy of exclusion that continued even after significant migration patterns influenced cultural diversity within Spain.

Related terms

Al-Andalus:

The region of the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim rule, known for its cultural, scientific, and architectural achievements during the Middle Ages.

Catholic Monarchs: Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, whose marriage united their kingdoms and significantly advanced the Reconquista, leading to the final expulsion of Muslim rule in Spain.

Moors: Muslim inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages, primarily composed of Berbers and Arabs, who contributed significantly to its culture and knowledge.