Muslims controlled most of the Iberian Peninsula. The Muslim culture flourished as Muslims and Jewish scholars work together to make great strides in learning.

Small Christian kingdoms in territories north begin a 500 year military campaign to reconquer Muslim territories under Christian rule.

700s to 1,000s

Muslim unity begins to weaken. Different groups fought each other leaving Al-Andalus (the Iberian Peninsula governed by Muslims) open to Christian attacks.

Castile, the largest the Spanish kingdoms, defeats the Moors. This inspired other Christian kingdoms like Aragon and Portugal to join the fight.

1085

1100s

• Portugal became a separate country.

1140

The Reconquista, the reconquest by Christian forces, was declared a success. Most of the Iberian Peninsula, except the state of Granada, was under Christian control.

1269

Prince Ferdinand and Princess Isabella become King and Queen. Together they rule all of Spain.

1479

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella achieved unification of Spain. They expelled all Jews and Muslims. They used the Inquisition to rid the country of all non-Christians. The Inquisition was a Church court that punished those who did not obey Church teachings. Over 2,000 people were executed.

1492