The Muslim Conquest of the Iberian Peninsula: Al-Andalus
In 711, the history of the Iberian Peninsula took a dramatic turn when Muslim troops, led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and launched the conquest that gave rise to Al-Andalus. This transformative period not only reshaped the region but also left a lasting legacy, evident today in landmarks like the Alcazaba of Málaga.
The Start of the Muslim Invasion
The conquest was triggered by a dynastic crisis in the Visigothic Kingdom. Following King Witiza’s death in 710, a power struggle erupted between his supporters and those of Roderic, the newly proclaimed king. Seizing the opportunity, Count Julian, governor of Ceuta, sought Muslim aid to overthrow Roderic. Tariq ibn Ziyad landed in Gibraltar with an army of about 7,000 soldiers—mostly recently Islamized Berbers, with Arabs in command. Later reinforced by Musa ibn Nusayr, their advance was swift and decisive.
The Battle of Guadalete and Visigothic Collapse
The turning point came in July 711 at the Battle of Guadalete. Roderic was defeated and reportedly killed under uncertain circumstances, leaving the Visigothic Kingdom leaderless. This collapse enabled the Muslims to capture key cities like Córdoba, Toledo, and Seville. By 718, most of the Iberian Peninsula was under Muslim control, marking the rise of Al-Andalus.
Northern Resistance: The Seeds of the Reconquista
Despite Muslim dominance, the rugged northern regions—Asturias and the Pyrenees—became strongholds of Christian resistance. Figures like Pelayo emerged as leaders of this opposition. Why did the north resist? Here are the main historical theories:
- Geographical Thesis: The mountainous terrain of Asturias and the Pyrenees hindered Muslim control, favoring guerrilla tactics.
- Political Thesis: Visigothic nobles, such as Pelayo, reorganized resistance from the north.
- Socioeconomic Thesis: Independent rural communities in the north resisted the feudal system imposed in the south.
- Religious Thesis: The fight to restore Christianity imbued resistance with a sacred purpose.
- Muslim Disinterest Thesis: The resource-poor north was not a priority for Al-Andalus rulers.
- Frankish Support Thesis: The Carolingian Empire’s Marca Hispanica bolstered Christian resistance in the Pyrenees.
This resistance laid the groundwork for the Reconquista, a pivotal chapter in Spain’s history tied to the enduring legacy of Al-Andalus, as seen in the Alcazaba of Málaga. To learn more about the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, you can book one of our guided tours of the Alcazaba of Malaga.