ABSTRACT

This is the first study in English of the political history of Muslim Spain and Portugal, based on Arab sources. It provides comprehensive coverage of events across the whole of the region from 711 to the fall of Granada in 1492. Up till now the history of this region has been badly neglected in comparison with studies of other states in medieval Europe. When considered at all, it has been largely written from Christian sources and seen in terms of the Christian Reconquest. Hugh Kennedy raises the profile of this important area, bringing the subject alive with vivid translations from Arab sources. This will be fascinating reading for historians of medieval Europe and for historians of the middle east drawing out the similarities and contrasts with other areas of the Muslim world.

chapter Chapter Two|33 pages

The Umayyad Amirate, 756-8521

chapter Chapter Six|24 pages

The Taifa Kingdoms

chapter Chapter Seven|35 pages

The Empire of the Almoravids1

chapter Chapter Eight|7 pages

The Second Taifas

chapter Chapter Nine|41 pages

The Early Almohad Caliphate

chapter Chapter Ten|36 pages

The Later Almohad Caliphate

chapter Chapter Eleven|34 pages

The Nasrids of Granada