Islamic Spain and the Inquisition ( By Jeiry Lemus and David Camargo)

King Roderic

710

King Roderic ruled as the last Visigothic king in Hispania for one year, believing in Catholicism. His ruling did not last long because his kingdom had many weaknesses such as the tradition to challenge royalty (kings, royal commanders, etc.), which led to the Visigoth downfall.

Tariq ibn Ziyad

711

Umayyad Commander who killed King Roderic, defeated his army in the Battle of Guadalete, and invaded Spain with an army of 7000 troops. This led to the expansion of Muslim religion in Spain.

King Pelayo

737

Christian lord who took flight to Northwest Iberia (Asturias), and who fought in the Battle of Covadonga, and won due to Ummyads not caring too much about the land.

Abd al-Rahman I

756

Last of the Ummyads who escaped to North Africa to start his own Emirate, the Emirate of Cordoba. His plan was successful as he had the help of Berbers, and ultimately ruled and became Emir. Many tried to defeat him and take over his land.

Abd al-Rahman III

912

Emir of Cordoba who tried to unite the Andalusian Iberia to prevent further conflict. He later became a Caliph by starting the Caliphate of Cordoba.

King Alfonso VI of Leon and Castile

1065

King of Leon and Castile who inherited Leon, but was exiled by his older brother Sancho. After Sancho’s death, he became king of Leon and Castile. Later conquered Toledo after Al-Mamun died. The city surrendered to Alfonso where Muslims worship freely, leading to Christian expansion.

El Cid - Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar

1099

Spanish medieval night and warfare legend who became a national hero of Spain. Fought with and against King Alfonso VI, but got exiled after intent to turn against him. Fought along the Muslims of Zaragoza, but continued to fight for Christian armies.

King Yusuf ibn Tashfin

1106

Almoravid ruler who helped the muslims fight in the Battle of Sagrajas against Alonso VI and the Christian kingdoms, victory leading to expansion of Muslim religion and ending Christian Reconquista.

King Afonso Henriques

1128

Son of Theresa de Leon, who he overthrew in the Battle of São Mamede after disagreeing with her in her ways of ruling and wanting power. Men also underestimated his mother, causing her to be overruled by him.

King Jaime I

1213

King of Aragon who expanded the borders of the Christian Kingdom, capturing the Balearic Islands and Valencia. Led to the suppression and expulsion of many Muslims.

The Medieval Papal Inquisition

1231

Active primarily in France and Italy, the Papal Inquisition was a series of inquisitions who was run by inquisitors chosen by different popes. This was a response to fight against the spread of Waldensians and Cathars. Source

Nicolas Eymeric compiles his manual of instruction for inquisitors, the Directorium Inquisitorum

1357

Nicolas Eymeric, a Spanish Inquistor responible for creating the manual (Directorium Inquisitorum) for other inquistors, which provided information and instructions on the procedures to deal with heretics. This included punishment, and execution. Source

Massacres of Jews across Spain; thousands forced to convert to Christianity

1391

Massive numbers of Jews were executed due to their religion, many forced conversions to protect themselves from death and violence. This leads to the elimination of the Jews from the peninsula. Source
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Muhammad XII

1460

The last king of the Emirate of Granada, who turned in Granada to Catholic King Ferdinand II of Aragon ruling alongside Isabella I de Castile. Granada becomes the last remaining taifa.

Pope Sixtus IV authorizes the Spanish Inquisition at the request of Ferdinand and Isabella, the "Catholic Monarchs" of Spain

1478

Ferdinand and Isabella requested Pope Sixtus IV to bless the Inquisition. Their goal was to reestablish Catholicism as the official religion, which led to the expulsion of Jews, and the community of conversos. Source

King Ferdinand II of Aragon

1479

King of Aragon and ruled with Isabella I de Castile as two Catholic monarchs, leading to less power being given to the nobles and constrict Christian conflict within the peninsula.

First auto de fe in Sevilla

1481

Six Jewish conversos were burnt publicly for secretly believing in their original beliefs, and those of their ancestors. Source

Treaty of Granada

1488

Treaty between Ferdinand and Isabella, and Muhammed XII at the end of the Granada War. This led to the surrender of the last major region in Islamic rule.
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Decree of Alhambra

1492

Sometimes called the "Edict of Expulsion", the Decree of Alhambra was an order given by Ferdinand and Isabella to ban all Jews from Castile and Aragon. Consisted of three main elements, expulsion, conversion, and persecution. Source

Martin Luther nails his "Ninety-Five Theses" on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg; Reformation begins

1517

Martin Luther, a German theologian posted his "Ninety-Five Theses" on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg. Critiqued Catholic beliefs and practices, which the then expands and reaches many people who start to agree, leading to the beginning of the Reformation. Source