Later Medieval Spain

Catalog description

Examines the political, religious, social, and cultural history of the Iberian Peninsula from the rise of the Caliphate of Cordoba in the tenth century through the reign of the Catholic Monarchs Isabel of Castile (1479-1504) and Ferdinand of Aragon (1479-1516). Among other topics, readings and discussion will address: the evolution of Islamic and Christian polities, and their centuries-long military confrontation (the 'Reconquest'); convivencia, or the interaction of Christians, Muslims, and Jews within medieval peninsular societies, and the reflections of this coexistence in culture, commerce and law; the partial political unification of Spain under the Catholic Monarchs; mounting religious and ethnic tensions within the Christian states, the rise of the Spanish Inquisition, expulsions of Jews and Muslims, and the imposition of Christian orthodoxy.