The Moors

In the Middle Ages, all the Mohammedans were called Moors; but, more strictly speaking, the Moors, or Mauri, were natives of that part of Northern Africa called Mauritania.

After the Saracens had conquered Northern Africa, they invaded Spain through Mauritania (711), conquering the whole country except two districts in the North. All the conquered people were compelled to embrace the Mohammedan religion, though the Christians took every opportunity to resist the invaders.

Cordova, a magnificent city, became the Moorish capital, and a great seat of learning; and, while the greater part of Europe was sunk in barbarism, the arts and sciences flourished among the Mohammedan Arabs and Moors of Spain.

The Moorish kingdom lasted from the middle of the eight century to the beginning of the sixteenth century.

The Christians became more and more powerful, and skirmishes more and more frequent; but the Moors continued to be the ruling power until the accession of Ferdinand and Isabella, when the last stronghold of the Moors (Grenada) was taken from them in 1492.

Such as would not embrace the Christian religion were then expelled from Spain, but the final expulsion of the whole race did not take place until the accession of Philip III. (1598). He instituted a persecution of the Moors, which ended by his driving six hundred thousand Moors from Spain in 1609.

As they were a very industrious people, they were a great loss to the nation, and Spain has never recovered her prestige.

A "History of the Conquest of Spain by the Arab-Moors," with a sketch of the civilization which they achieved, and imparted to Europe, by Dr. Henry Coppee of Lehigh University, is the best book to read upon this subject.