The Dawn of Al-Andalus: A Cultural Shift

In 711 AD, the Iberian Peninsula witnessed the rise of Al-Andalus following a Muslim incursion led by Tariq ibn Ziyad. Exploiting the internal strife of the Visigothic Kingdom, Tariq's forces achieved a stunning victory at the Battle of Guadalete, leading to rapid Muslim expansion across key cities. This period fostered rich cultural exchanges between Islamic and European traditions, establishing a legacy of tolerance and intellectual advancement that shaped Spanish culture and history.