'The Moors in Spain' Summary

The Moors in Spain is a classic history book by Stanley Lane-Poole that tells the story of the Muslim conquest of Spain and its legacy. The book begins with the arrival of the Moors in Spain in the 8th century and follows their history until their expulsion in the 15th century.

The Moors were a Muslim people from North Africa who crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in 711 CE and conquered most of Spain. They ruled Spain for over 700 years, during which time they made significant contributions to Spanish culture, science, and art.

The Moors brought with them their own language, religion, and culture, which blended with the existing Spanish culture to create a unique and vibrant civilization. They built beautiful mosques and palaces, developed irrigation systems that made agriculture possible in the dry climate of Spain, and introduced new crops and technologies. They also made important contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.

The Moors were eventually expelled from Spain in the 15th century, but their legacy remains to this day. Many Spanish words and place names are of Arabic origin, and Spanish architecture and cuisine still bear the influence of Moorish culture.

The Moors in Spain is a fascinating and complex story of conquest, culture, and conflict. It is a story of how a small group of Muslim warriors from North Africa conquered and ruled Spain for over 700 years, leaving a lasting legacy that can still be seen today.