RECONQUISTA Meaning and
Definition
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Reconquista is a Spanish term that translates to "reconquest" in English. It refers to a historical period, spanning roughly from the 8th to the 15th century, during which the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula sought to reclaim territories that had been previously dominated by Muslim rule.
The Reconquista began in 711 when the Islamic Moors invaded the Visigothic Kingdom of Hispania. Over the years, various Christian kingdoms emerged in the northern part of the peninsula, gradually pushing the Muslims towards the southern region. The reconquest of land became a defining objective for these Christian kingdoms, and the Reconquista became a symbol of their efforts to restore the Christian faith and control of the entire Iberian Peninsula.
The period was marked by numerous military campaigns, battles, and the establishment of new Christian kingdoms such as Castile, Portugal, and Aragon. It was also characterized by the coexistence and conflicts between Christians, Muslims, and Jews, as well as cultural and religious exchange.
The Reconquista eventually culminated in the fall of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold, to Castile and Aragon in 1492. This marked the end of Muslim rule on the peninsula and the establishment of a Catholic monarchy in a united Spain.
Overall, the term "reconquista" represents the multi-century struggle of Christian kingdoms to reclaim territories conquered by Muslim forces, shaping the history, culture, and geopolitical realities of the Iberian Peninsula.
Common Misspellings for RECONQUISTA
Etymology of RECONQUISTA
The word "reconquista" is derived from the Spanish language. It combines two components: "re-" which is a prefix meaning "again" or "back", and "conquista" which means "conquest".
The term "reconquista" specifically refers to the period of history in the Iberian Peninsula when Christian kingdoms in medieval Spain sought to reconquer territories that were previously under Muslim rule. This historical period, also known as the "Reconquista", began in the 8th century and lasted until the 15th century when the last Muslim stronghold of Granada fell to the Catholic Monarchs of Spain.
