Who were the Moors, and how did they affect Spain during their rule
The Moors were Muslim inhabitants of the Maghreb, the Iberian Peninsula, Sicily, and Malta during the Middle Ages. They were predominantly of Berber and Arab descent and originally came from North Africa.
The Moors invaded and conquered Spain in 711 AD, ushering in a period known as the Islamic Golden Age in the Iberian Peninsula. During their rule, they brought advanced knowledge, technology, and culture to Spain. They made significant contributions to architecture, art, science, mathematics, and medicine, laying the foundation for modern Western civilization.
The Moors also created a diverse and tolerant society in Spain, allowing Christians, Jews, and Muslims to live together in relative harmony. This multi-cultural environment, known as convivencia, led to a flourishing of intellectual and artistic exchange.
The Moors ruled over Spain for nearly 800 years, leaving a lasting impact on the country's culture, language, and architecture. Their influence can still be seen in the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Cordoba, and other architectural marvels throughout Spain.