CSMH History Class

1400 - Reconquista

Page history last edited by Clay Carlson 2 yrs ago

The Reconquista

The Reconquista was a time when the Christians decided that they needed to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula (current day Portugal and Spain). They did that, by attacking the Muslims because they were the current religion in those areas. The Umayyad founded a Muslim Dynasty in Spain during the eighth century. A different community flourished in the cities Cordoba and Toledo, Where Muslims, Jews and Christians could live together in peace. The Christians knew when and where to attack the Muslim dynasty. Slowly the Christians ate away at the Muslim Dynasty, until it broke apart. That's when it picked up the pace.

A picture of the Iberian Peninsula thanks to nasa

When Cordoba broke up in 1002 B.C. the Christians took advantage of the Muslims in there time of weakness. In 1085 B.C. the Christians made an important victory by taking over Toledo. Muslims slowly lost their hold on the land and gradually gave up more territory. In 1139 B.C. Portugal became an independent Christian Empire. By 1248 all the Muslims had was the small kingdom of Granada. Many of the Jews and Muslims continued on living in Christian ruled areas. Later in the 1400s, Queen Isabella and king Ferdanand decided to convert the territory to Catholicism. They used inquisition, a church like court. They targeted Muslims and Jews that converted to Christianity. The Judges were harsh and would torture to find out if they were practicing their old religion. During this time period many people were burned at the stake. In 1492 B.C. The King and Queens army overran Granada and the Muslims lost all of there territory. That same year 17,000 Jews left the area to avoid conversion.

Although it may not seem that apparent, one Jewish website disagrees. They wonder why it is that Muslims are more willing to get along with the Jewish than Jews are excepting to the Muslims. Stephen Schwartz says "I grew up in a family with a Jewish Father and a Muslim Mother, My parents got along however the Jewish Community was not as inviting as the Muslim Community". However neither of the Religions are huge fans of Christianity. We are no longer in the Reconquista but have actions really changed. Some still believe that the impact of the Reconquista is still apparent. Do you?