al - Andalus

The Spanish territory that was governed by North African and Arab Muslims from 711 and 1492 was known by the Arabic name of al-Andalus.

During most of its history al-Andalus was in conflict with the Catholic Kings as well as between neighbouring Muslim groups.

Chronology of al-Andalus

711 The Muslims arrive

756 The Ummayad prince Abd ar-Rahman I proclaims the independent emirate of al-Andalus in Cordoba, then called Cordova.

822 Al-Andalus becomes prosperous under Abd ar-Rahman I.

879 Muwaladd rising under Umar ibn Hafsun, occupying Jaen and the south of Cordova.

929 Abd ar-Rahman III brings peace and pronounces himself the first Caliph of Cordova, Prince of Believers.

1031 The Caliph of Cordova falls and the independant kingdoms of Taifas begin.

1085 Alfonso VI of Castile conquer Toledo.

1091 The Almoravids extend their reign and end the Taifa kingdoms.

1146 Al-Andalus becomes part of the Almoravid empire.

1031 The Giralda minaret is finished.

1212 The Catholic Kings win the battle of Navas de Tolosa.

1231 Al-Ahmar ibn Nasr founds the Nasrid dynasty.

1236 Ferdinand III of Castile conquers Cordova.

1238 Work starts on the Alhambra.

1240 Ferdinand III dominates the Guadalquivir valley.

1246 Christian kings reconquer Jaen.

1248 Ferdinand III conquers Sevilla.

1314 Generalife gardens begin.

1341 Alfonso XI takes Alcala la Real.

1410 The Infante D. Fernando, of Castile takes Antequera.

1462 Archidona is also taken.

1482 Final thrust against Granada, Alhama taken. Boabdil takes the throne from his father.

1483 Boabdil imprisoned at battle of Lucena.

1485 Ronda and surrounding highlands fall.

1489 Almeria surrenders.

1491 Granada capitulates, ending the Nasrid kingdom.

1492 The Catholic kings, Isabella and Ferdinand enter Granada on 2nd January.