What is Reconquista?This term refers to a long Christian reconquest of the territories on the Iberian Peninsula, captured by the Muslim Moors.The meaning of "Reconquista" is very simple, the term is translated from Spanish as the reconquest.
Reconquista: reason
Reconquista began immediately after the conquest of the Arab tribes of the Pyrenees (first half of the 8th century) and came with varying degrees of success.Feudal strife provoked Christian monarchs at war with each other and their vassals, and to enter into temporary alliances with Islamic conquerors.
During the Crusades war against the Muslim Moors was akin to the struggle for the whole of Christianity in general.Order of the Knights (Knights Templar, and others.) Were originally created to fight against the Moors, and the Popes called the knights of Europe to fight for the liberation of the Iberian Peninsula.
Home Reconquista
After the conquest of the Moors most of the Pyrenees, most Visigoth aristocrats chose to remain in the conquered lands.As an example of the ruler's sons Vititsy.They received from the Arab authorities in the personal property of fertile land Visigoth crown.However, the faithful of the army of the Visigoths, a significant part of the aristocracy and clergy, not agreed to remain in the occupied territory, retreated in Asturias.There, they subsequently created a kingdom of the same name.In the summer of 718 th powerful Visigoth Pelayo (probably former bodyguard of King Roderiha), who was held hostage in the city of Cordoba, he returned to Asturias and was elected the first king of the newly created kingdom.The election took place at the Golf Wagon.After receiving news of the meetings in the field Fura Vicar Munusa sent this message to the emir of Andalusia.
However, only 722 arrived in Asturias detachment headed by Alcamo.With punitive and was bishop of Seville Opp.He was to provoke Paley seem Alcamo, moving Lukus Asturum.From this point the Arabs broke into the valley of Covadonga, seeking Christians.But in the gorge Alcamo squad was ambushed and was defeated.The leader himself was killed.
When the news of the death squad Alcamo Munusy reached Berber governor, he left the city of Gijon and his party moved towards Pelayo.The battle happened near the village of Olalla.Munusy troops were completely destroyed, and he was killed.Responding to a question about what the Reconquista, what are the reasons, it is impossible not to mention this event, for it is it was the beginning of it.
Education Pyrenean states
After a successful start of the Reconquista Asturias in the early 10th century.It spreads its borders and became a kingdom of Leon.In the same century it stood out from the other State - the Kingdom of Castile.A little later they merged.At the turn of the VIII-IX centuries of successful campaigns francs helped to create in the north-east of the Pyrenees, Spanish brand with its capital in Barcelona.In the IX.Navarra stood out from it, and a little later - the country of Aragon and Catalonia.In 1137-m, they were united in the kingdom of Aragon.In the west of the Pyrenees was created county Portuguese, and later became a kingdom.
political situation at the turn of XII-XIII centuries
At this period the Christian powers were able to win the Arabs a major part of the Pyrenees.Their victory over the Caliphate, which was more developed in economic terms, can be partly explained by the fact that the Arab States in the early 11th century turned into nearly two dozen warring provinces (emirates).But this was not the main reason for success.Christian country in the Pyrenees is also at odds with each other, and drawing on his side of the Moors.However, Christians were more cohesive and strong in military terms.
situation of Christians under the rule of the Arabs for Arabs
Christian population has been subject to ruthless exploitation.The vanquished were in the position of semi-slaves.Even converted to Islam and assimilated the Arab customs Christians were considered inferior people.Initial tolerance Moors disappeared without a trace.Gradually it was replaced by an ardent fanaticism.This has caused many Christian uprisings debilitating Caliphate.
reasons for the success of the Reconquista
What is Reconquista?This question can now be answered more fully.A common enemy and oppressor of Christians rallied.Therefore Reconquista took on the character of the liberation movement, in spite of the military colonization plans of the Christian kings and enmity between Aragon and Castile, as well as the feudal lords with each other.The decisive moment of Christians rallied.In the peasantry was its incentive to win this war.In the conquered territories they could get not only the earth, but also freedom from the feudal lords, recorded in the charters and charters (fueros).Therefore, Christians protested against the Moors as a whole.In addition to Spanish, the liberation of the Pyrenees from the Moors was attended by European knights (primarily Italian and French).Therefore, the question "What is Reconquista" you can answer this: is an international Christian Liberation Movement.Pope many times declared the liberation campaign "with cross".
Continued
Reconquista in 1085-m the Spaniards stormed Toledo.This victory was very important.At the same time weakened the civil war the Arabs asked for help from the African Berbers.United Mauritanian troops were able to defeat the Spaniards, that time slowed down the Reconquista.Soon (in the middle of the XII century) to replace the North African Berbers came other invaders - Moroccan Almohades.However, they failed to unite the Pyrenees Emirates.Ask any Spaniard what Reconquista?The definition of the term knows and old and young.It is a struggle of the oppressed against the oppressors, one faith against another - the war rulers and cultures.
victory Reconquista
The 1212th combined forces of Navarre, Aragon, Portugal and Castile defeated the Moors at Las Navas de Tolosa.After this defeat, the Arabs have not been able to recover.In 1236-m Castilians took Cordova, in 1248-m - Seville.Aragon conquered the Balearic Islands.Cadiz Castile won back in 1262-m and went to the Atlantic Ocean.In 1238-m fell Valencia.By the turn of the XIV century.Moors possessed the only Emirate of Granada - rich province in the south of the Pyrenees.In this territory the Arabs lasted until 1492
Conclusion
above was told what the Reconquista.According to history, the reconquest of the lands was accompanied by fixing them for the winner and settlement.The Reconquista played an important role citizens and small knights.However, the main benefits of the war have received feudal lords.They are created on the attached land ownership large.