The Moors

The Moors were Muslim rulers and traders from North Africa who controlled parts of the Iberian Peninsula (modern Spain and Portugal) from the early 8th to the 15th century. Their presence began with the conquest of Iberia in 711 AD, leading to a diverse society that contributed significantly to European culture, science, and architecture. The Moors introduced advanced knowledge in fields like mathematics, medicine, and philosophy, and built impressive structures such as the Alhambra. Their ruling period, known as Al-Andalus, was marked by both coexistence and conflict with Christian kingdoms, shaping the history and culture of the region.