give me a idea Who were the Moors, and how did they affect Spain during their rule?
The Moors were Muslims of North African and Arab descent who conquered and ruled over parts of Spain from the early 8th century until the late 15th century. They were led by the Umayyad Caliphate and established an Islamic state in the Iberian Peninsula known as Al-Andalus.
During their rule, the Moors brought significant cultural, architectural, scientific, and agricultural advancements to Spain. They introduced new irrigation techniques, crops such as citrus fruits and rice, and transformed the landscape with their innovative farming methods. They also made significant advancements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy, contributing to the intellectual and cultural development of Spain.
The Moors also left a lasting impact on Spanish architecture, with the construction of magnificent mosques, palaces, and fortresses, such as the Alhambra in Granada and the Great Mosque of Córdoba. Their style, known as Mudejar, blended Islamic and Christian influences and can still be seen in many buildings in Spain today.
However, the Moorish rule in Spain was also marked by conflicts and tensions with the Christian kingdoms in the north. The Reconquista, a centuries-long campaign by the Christian kingdoms to reclaim Spain from Moorish control, eventually led to the fall of Granada in 1492 and the end of Moorish rule in Spain. The expulsion of the Moors from Spain had lasting effects on the country's culture and society, as well as on the relationship between Muslims and Christians in the region.