Who were the Moors of Spain?

The Moors were Muslims who ruled parts of Spain from 711 to 1492. They came to Spain from North Africa and quickly conquered most of the peninsula, except for small pockets of Christian resistance in the north. The Moorish rule was a period of great cultural and intellectual flourishing, and many of the major Islamic architectural landmarks in Spain, such as the Alhambra, were built during this time. The Moors also introduced many new technologies to Spain, including irrigation and the use of windmills.

In the 11th century, the Christian kingdoms of Spain began to reconquer territory from the Moors, and by 1492, the only remaining Muslim kingdom was the Emirate of Granada. In that year, the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella conquered Granada, effectively ending Muslim rule in Spain. The Moors were then forced to convert to Christianity, and those who refused were expelled from the country.

The Moorish legacy in Spain is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, the Moors made many positive contributions to Spanish culture, society, and science. On the other hand, their rule was also oppressive for many non-Muslims, and their expulsion from Spain had a profound impact on the country's history.

Here are some additional details about the Moors of Spain:

- They were a diverse group, including Arabs, Berbers, and other North African peoples.

- They brought many agricultural innovations to Spain, such as the irrigation of crops and the introduction of new crops, including rice, cotton, and oranges.

- They built many beautiful mosques, palaces, and other structures, many of which are still standing today.

- They established a number of universities and libraries, and they made important contributions to the development of mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.

- They also had a strong influence on Spanish art, music, and literature.

- The Moors were a major part of Spanish society for over 700 years, and their legacy continues to be felt today.