Umayyad conquest of Hispania facts for kids

The Umayyad conquest of Hispania was when the Umayyad Caliphate, a large Muslim empire, expanded into a region called Hispania. This area is now mostly Spain and Portugal. The conquest happened between the years 711 and 788.

This important event led to the end of the Visigothic Kingdom in Hispania. In its place, the Emirate of Cordova was set up by a leader named Abd al-Rahman I. This new state helped create a unified Muslim-ruled area in Iberia, known as al-Andalus, which lasted from 756 to 788. The Umayyad conquest of Hispania was the furthest west the Umayyad Caliphate and Muslim rule reached into Europe. However, they did not conquer France because Charles Martel stopped them at the Battle of Tours.

The army that conquered Hispania was mostly made up of Berbers. These people lived in northwestern Africa and had only recently become part of the Muslim world. They arrived in Hispania in early 711, landing near what is now Gibraltar.

The main Umayyad Caliphate, based in Damascus, was overthrown around the year 750 AD. But the Umayyad rule continued in al-Andalus for much longer, until 1031.

The time period from 710 until the fall of the last Muslim state in the Battle of Granada in 1492 is known as the Reconquista. This word means "reconquest" in Spanish, referring to the Christian kingdoms gradually taking back control of the Iberian Peninsula.

What Was the Umayyad Conquest?

The Umayyad conquest of Hispania was a major military event. It involved Muslim armies from the Umayyad Caliphate moving into the Iberian Peninsula. This led to a big change in who ruled the land and how people lived there.

Why Did the Conquest Happen?

The Umayyad Caliphate was a powerful empire that was expanding rapidly. They wanted to spread their influence and control more territories. Hispania, ruled by the Visigoths, was seen as a good target for expansion.

Who Were the Umayyads?

The Umayyads were a ruling family that led the first great Muslim dynasty. They controlled a huge empire that stretched from the Middle East across North Africa. Their capital city was Damascus.

How Did the Conquest Unfold?

The conquest began in 711 when a large army crossed the Strait of Gibraltar. They quickly defeated the Visigothic forces.

Key Figures in the Conquest

• Tariq ibn Ziyad: He was a Berber general who led the first major Muslim army into Hispania. He is famous for landing at Gibraltar, which is named after him (Jabal Ṭāriq means "Mount of Tariq").
• Musa ibn Nusayr: He was the Umayyad governor of North Africa. He later joined Tariq in Hispania with more troops.
• Roderic: He was the last Visigothic king. He was defeated and killed during the early stages of the conquest.

The Battle of Guadalete

One of the most important battles was the Battle of Guadalete in 711. This battle was a huge defeat for the Visigothic Kingdom. After this, the Muslim armies could move quickly through the peninsula.

What Happened After the Conquest?

After the initial conquest, the Umayyads established their rule over most of Hispania. This new territory became known as al-Andalus.

The Emirate of Cordova

In 756, Abd al-Rahman I, a prince from the overthrown Umayyad family in Damascus, arrived in al-Andalus. He established the independent Emirate of Cordova. This meant al-Andalus was no longer directly controlled by the Caliphate in the Middle East.

Life in al-Andalus

Under Muslim rule, al-Andalus became a very advanced and rich place. There was a lot of learning in science, mathematics, and philosophy. Cities like Cordova became centers of culture and education. People of different religions, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews, lived together, though Muslims were in charge.

The End of Umayyad Rule in al-Andalus

The Umayyad rule in al-Andalus eventually ended in 1031. The Emirate of Cordova broke up into many smaller, independent Muslim states. This made it easier for the Christian kingdoms in the north to begin the Reconquista.

Images for kids

• 

  Roderic, second figure with no face, depicted as one of the "six kings" in an Umayyad fresco in Qasr Amra, modern-day Jordan (710-750)

• 

  Northeastern al-Andalus, the Pyrenees and southern Gaul at the time of the Berber rebellion (739–742)

• 

  Northeast of Iberia, Duchy of Vasconia, and Septimania just after its conquest by Pepin (760)

See also

In Spanish: Conquista omeya de Hispania para niños