
11th Century Spain
In the 11th century, Spain was a diverse patchwork of cultures due to the coexistence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews. The Islamic Caliphate of Córdoba was at its peak, fostering advancements in science, philosophy, and the arts, but it fragmented into smaller kingdoms called taifas. Meanwhile, Christian kingdoms in the north, such as León and Castile, resumed the Reconquista, gradually reclaiming territory from Muslim rule. This period was marked by cultural exchange, conflict, and the emergence of a distinct Spanish identity, laying the groundwork for future political and religious developments in the region.