Overview
The lecture covers the fall of Visigothic Spain, the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, and the emergence of Christian resistance in the Kingdom of Asturias, marking the beginnings of the Reconquista.
Fall of Visigothic Spain
- The Visigoths settled in Spain after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and established their own kingdom.
- Visigothic Spain lacked the sophistication and infrastructure of Roman times, with a declining economy and population.
- Internal strife and dynastic struggles weakened the Visigoths by the early 8th century.
- In 711, King Roderick was defeated and killed by the Berber commander Tariq ibn Ziyad at the Battle of Guadalete.
Islamic Conquest and Al-Andalus
- Muslim forces rapidly conquered most of the Iberian Peninsula after the Visigothic collapse.
- The new Muslim province was called Al-Andalus, admired for its familiar and fertile landscape.
- Major cities like Córdoba and Seville became important centers under Muslim rule.
- Muslim armies even raided into France, but were stopped at the Battle of Poitiers (Tours) in 732.
Rise of Christian Asturias and Early Reconquista
- Only the remote northern region, protected by mountains, remained out of Muslim control, forming the Kingdom of Asturias.
- Asturias, led by Pelagius (Pelayo), resisted Muslim authority and became a symbol of Christian survival.
- The legendary Battle of Covadonga (circa 722) marked the symbolic start of the Reconquista, though its significance may be exaggerated.
- Asturias slowly expanded along the northern coast, but much of its territory was sparsely populated and undeveloped.
Development of Christian Kingdoms and Pilgrimage
- Under Alfonso I and Alfonso II, Asturias grew, established Oviedo as its capital, and became more organized.
- The discovery of St. James' bones in Santiago de Compostela made it a major pilgrimage site.
- The legendary intervention of St. James (Matamoros) bolstered Christian morale and identity during battles.
Transition to the Kingdom of León
- Internal conflict in the late 9th century led to the division of Asturias.
- By 924, the Kingdom of León emerged as the dominant Christian state in northern Spain.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Visigoths — Germanic people who ruled Spain after the Romans.
- Al-Andalus — The name for Muslim-ruled Spain.
- Reconquista — The Christian effort to reclaim Spain from Muslim rule.
- Battle of Guadalete — 711 battle where Visigothic power collapsed.
- Asturias — Christian kingdom in northern Spain, origin of resistance.
- Covadonga — Site of early Christian victory and symbol of resistance.
- Santiago de Compostela — Pilgrimage city in Galicia, burial site of St. James.
- Matamoros — "The Moor-slayer," title given to St. James as a legendary Christian warrior.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the timeline of key battles and kings in the early Reconquista.
- Read assigned material on the Muslim conquest of Iberia and the rise of Christian kingdoms.
- Prepare a summary focusing on the significance of Asturias and the pilgrimage to Santiago.