Because there is no history or religion territory, I decided to post here...
from ChatGPT:
The Reconquista was a long and complex period in Iberian history, lasting from 711 to 1492, during which Christian kingdoms gradually reclaimed territory from Muslim rulers in the Iberian Peninsula. Here's a concise overview:
⚔️ What Was the Reconquista?
- A series of military, political, and religious campaigns by Christian states to reclaim land taken by Muslim forces (Moors) after their conquest of most of Iberia in 711.
- It culminated in 1492, with the fall of Granada, the last Muslim kingdom in Spain.
🧭 Key Phases and Events:
📅 711 – Muslim Invasion of Iberia
- The Umayyad Caliphate invades from North Africa, led by Tariq ibn Ziyad.
- They defeat the Visigothic king Roderic at the Battle of Guadalete.
- Within a few years, nearly all of the Iberian Peninsula is under Muslim control.
📅 722 – Battle of Covadonga
- Considered the start of the Reconquista.
- Christian leader Pelayo defeats a Muslim force in Asturias (northern Spain).
- This victory secures a small Christian foothold and symbolic resistance.
📅 10th–11th Century – Christian Kingdoms Rise
- León, Castile, Navarre, Aragón, and Catalonia gain strength.
- The Muslim Caliphate of Córdoba splinters into Taifa kingdoms, making Muslim Spain more vulnerable.
📅 1085 – Capture of Toledo
- King Alfonso VI of Castile captures Toledo, a major cultural and strategic center.
- A major psychological and territorial blow to Muslim rule.
📅 1212 – Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa
- Christian coalition forces defeat the Almohad Caliphate.
- Marks a turning point — Muslim power in Iberia begins to rapidly decline.
📅 1236–1248 – Major Christian Gains
- Ferdinand III of Castile captures Córdoba (1236) and Seville (1248).
- By mid-13th century, only the Emirate of Granada remains under Muslim control.
📅 1492 – Fall of Granada
- Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile conquer Granada, ending 781 years of Muslim rule.
- This marks the formal end of the Reconquista.
🧨 Aftermath:
- Forced conversions, expulsions, and the Spanish Inquisition followed.
- Spain emerges as a unified Catholic kingdom and major imperial power.
Spain expelled the Moors in 1609–1614, during the reign of King Philip III. This event is known as the Expulsion of the Moriscos.
📜 Quick Timeline:
1492: The last Muslim kingdom in Spain, Granada, falls to the Catholic Monarchs (Ferdinand and Isabella). This marks the end of Muslim political rule in Iberia.
1502 (Castile) / 1526 (Aragon): Muslims were officially forced to convert to Christianity or leave. Many converted but retained Islamic practices in secret — they were called Moriscos.
1609–1614: King Philip III ordered the mass expulsion of Moriscos (converted Muslims suspected of heresy or disloyalty), affecting up to 300,000 people.
🧭 Summary:
“Moors” = Muslims of North African origin who ruled parts of Spain from 711–1492.
End of Moorish rule = 1492 (fall of Granada).
Expulsion of descendants = 1609–1614 (Moriscos).
