Muslim History
When did the Arabs and Berbers arrive in Spain? What was the name of the battle and who did they defeat?
They arrived in 711, and defeated the Visigoths in the Battle of Guadelete.
How was society divided in Al-Andalus during this time period? What were the two groups that people were usually put in to?
Caliphal architecture, Taifa kingdom architecture, and Almohad architecture.
What were the names of the main Christian kingdoms and settlements in Spain after the Arab invasions?
Kingdom of Asturias, County of Castilla, Kingdom of Navarra, County of Aragón, Catalonian Counties.
What was the most popular form of art and architecture in the Christian kingdoms during this time?
Romanesque.
Who was Abd al-Rahman I?
Can you name any of the ethnic groups that made up society in Al-Andalus?
Muladis - Christians who converted to Islam; Berbers - Islamic people from North Africa; Arabs - usually nobles who controlled society; Mozarabs - Christians who adopted Arab customs/culture; and Jews - present since before the Arab invasions.
What was the name of the expansion or reconquering of land by the Christian kingdoms?
The Reconquista.
What was Romanesque sculpture used for during this period? What did the church want to tell people about?
It was used to show biblical scenes to teach people about Christianity.
What was the Caliphate of Córdoba? When was it created and who was its first leader?
The Caliphate of Córdoba an independent caliphate founded by Abd al-Rahman III in 929. Before this it was ruled by emirs, and was technically under the influence of the Abbasid caliphs.
True or false: The level of culture and advancement in Al-Andalus was superior to that of the rest of Europe.
True.
What kind of styles of art did the Muslims/Arabs practice in Al-Andalus?
Arabesque, calligraphy, and geometric art.
How did the Christian resettle the land they had conquered? What are the names of the two ways that Christian kings resettled the land?
Presura or aprisio: Nobles and abbeys took over new lands
Cartas pueblas or fueros: kings granted special privileges to those who settled in these new lands (under the direct control of the king, no other lord).
Art had two big influences from other areas in Europe. From where were these influences?
France and Italy.
What were the taifa kingdoms? Can you name any of them? What can you tell me about them?
These were small Muslim kingdoms that formed after the end of the caliphate.
They were culturally advanced, and still quite prosperous, however they were much weaker than the caliphate had been.
Some of the most important Taifas were Badajoz, Toledo, Sevilla, Valencia, and Zaragoza.
What were some of the things that the Muslims introduced to Europe and Spain?
Arabic numbers, the astrolabe, and chess.
Did the Muslims depict humans or animals in their art?
Yes, though it wasn't very common.
Did Jews, Christians, and Muslims live in peace with each other in the newly reconquered lands of the Christian kingdoms?
Many Jews and Muslims were persecuted and driven out/forced to leave, though there were some periods of peaceful coexistence between the three groups of people - which allowed for the translation of scientific and philosophical works.
What are some important characteristics of Romanesque architecture?
Buttresses, barrel vaults, heavy buildings, few window, porticoes, latin-cross shape.
Who did the taifa kings ask for help from to stop the Christian expansion in Iberia?
The taifa kings asked for help from the Almoravids, who helped to stop the advances of the Christian kingdoms, though they conquered Al-Andalus for themselves.
Why was Al-Andalus important culturally? What did it act as between the east and the west?
It was a bridge between the east and west for culture and technological advancements.
Can you name some important aspects of architecture from Al-Andalus?
Haram - An area in the mosque divided into sections and held up by columns.
Maqsura - The area for the caliph in the mosque.
Mihrab - Area in the qiblah wall where the Quran is kept.
Castellano, Catalan, Gallego-Portuguese, Leonese, Aragonese, Mozarab, and Basque/Euskera. The Reconquista allowed these languages to become more popular in newer areas, such as Catalan along the coastal areas and Castellano in the north and centre of Spain.
What are some important characteristics of Romanesque art?
Lack of depth, expressionless faces, used primarily for a teaching purpose to show illiterate people stories from the life of Jesus.